The Moons, led by Paul Weller’s keyboard player Andy Crofts,
have returned minus James Bagshaw and Tom Warmsley (now of Temples fame) to
release their 3rd album ‘Mindwaves’. The band, forever bridesmaids
with support slots of Beady Eye, OCS and currently The Rifles, have yet another
crack stepping into the limelight.
Their previous two albums have been radio friendly mod tunes
which accentuate Crofts’ crooning vocals. ‘Mindwaves’ however, sees the band
take a more aggressive Miles Kane approach towards all things mod.
The more aggressive songs come in the shape of ‘Body
Snatchers’ and ‘You Can’t Slow Me Down’. ‘Body Snatchers’ combines the chemical
world of Moon Duo and the melodic nature of Miles Kane to create a fuzzy glam
rock number. Meanwhile, ‘You Can’t Slow Me Down’ utilises odd yet melodic
production often associated with Graham Coxon alongside classic rock n roll song
writing. At the point of the guitar solo, this production allows it to develop
without feeling like regurgitated shite (remember Viva Brother!!!). Despite the
big sonic leap Moons fans (of which TT is one) will be left wondering why
Crofts vocals are not allowed to shine as they are clearly the star of the
show.
The Moons have always wore their classic English pop
influences on their sleeves and ‘Mindwaves’ is no different. The Beatles pulse
through the veins on ‘On The Moon’. Crofts’ high pitched vocals are a beautiful
tribute to McCartney on ‘She’s Leaving Home’. On ‘Heart and Soul’, they channel
their love of Bolan and Bowie’s glam era. Both tracks do nothing to make you
skip them but ultimately, if your influences are the best in the business your
work needs to be of Noel Gallagher standards or listeners will just put a Bowie
or Beatles record on instead.
What is lacking on those two songs is out in full force on
‘Sometimes’ and ‘Times Not Forever’, easily their best work to date. ‘Sometimes’
slows the pace enough for Crofts vocals to work in tandem with the new found
production values rather than contrast. ‘Times Not Forever’, does raise the
tempo but the production values are subtle and serve to lift the guitars and
the killer bassline which surges through
this Small Faces meets Ty Seegal gem.
‘Mindwaves’, technically is the difficult third album and
not all of it components work. However, there is plenty to revere here and we
urge people to invest because TT senses the next album will be their
masterpiece with ambitious production and classic songwriting working as one.
