James Dean Bradfield, the guitarist of the iconic band Manic Street Preachers, shared some fascinating insights about the band’s creative process and the making of their 15th album, Critical Thinking. The album is a testament to the band’s ongoing originality and honesty, qualities that have defined their music since the beginning. Despite the passing of time, with the band now recording near their homes in South Wales, the spark of innovation remains alive and well.
Bradfield explained that the process of creating Critical Thinking was different from the band’s earlier methods. In the past, the band would record rough demos and meet in rehearsal rooms to refine their ideas. However, since the release of Send Away The Tigers, they have worked in their own studio, which has allowed them to take a more gradual approach to album creation. The lines between demos and final recordings have blurred over the years, with some demo recordings even making it onto the finished tracks.
Having their own studio has given the band the freedom to work at their own pace. Bradfield noted that they still used Rockfield Studios for the finishing touches, a place that he said added an extra energy to the project. Although he didn’t believe the location directly affected their music, he mentioned that recording The Holy Bible in a gritty Cardiff studio did influence the sound, particularly because of the chaotic environment outside.
As for the concept behind the album, Bradfield explained that while the band used to work with a clear framework or mission statement, the approach has become more organic in recent years. For Critical Thinking, the band simply focused on creating songs that felt right, continuing to work on tracks that wouldn’t go away. This natural selection led to the inclusion of tracks like “Decline and Fall” and “People Ruin Paintings”.
Bradfield also shared his thoughts on the title track, Critical Thinking, which addresses society’s struggles in the age of social media. The song came about through Nick’s contributions, with Bradfield focusing on the guitar parts. He described his guitar work as “snapping at the heels” of Nick’s vocal performance, a “white funk” style that fit perfectly with the song’s message.
On the technical side, Bradfield discussed his guitar gear for the album. His trusty 1990 Les Paul Custom, affectionately known as “Faithful,” made its usual appearance, alongside Richey Edwards’ old Telecaster Thinline. However, one of the standout instruments for this record was a Guild S60-D guitar. Bradfield recounted how he rediscovered the guitar, which had been neglected for 20 years, and had it refurbished. The guitar’s unique sound became integral to the album, adding a distinct character to the tracks.
In addition to the Guild, Bradfield used a Blackstar St James amp, a combination that led to some moments of clarity during the recording process. He also experimented with different pedals, including the Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone and the Fender Hammertone Space Delay, both of which added modulation to the sound. Bradfield credited some of the sonic elements on the album to these simple yet effective pedals, and he even recommended them to other musicians, noting their ease of use and distinctive effects.
Bradfield’s appreciation for guitar tones also extended to his admiration for guitarists like Robert Smith of The Cure. He praised Smith’s understated use of chorus effects, drawing comparisons to his own use of modulation to create subtle yet powerful sounds. The influence of guitarists like Smith, John McGeoch, and Stuart Adamson can be heard in the album’s textures, with Bradfield’s use of chorus and delay adding depth to the record.
The conversation also touched on Bradfield’s favorite moments from the album, including the track Being Baptised. This song, written entirely by Bradfield, was inspired by a memorable day spent with the legendary Allen Toussaint. Bradfield reflected on the grace and presence of Toussaint, recalling how the interaction left a lasting impression on him.
In discussing the making of Critical Thinking, Bradfield shared how the band’s approach to recording has evolved over time, from their early days to now. Despite the changes in their process and technology, the essence of the band remains rooted in their original commitment to honesty, authenticity, and pushing the boundaries of music.
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