It may be true that I'm too much
of a fanboy to write this review. On the other hand, I challenge anyone who
loves heavy, straight forward rock and roll to listen to this album and not
fall in love with it. Tony Reed and the boys have been doing the
Mos
Generator thing for a while now, and one of the beautiful things about what
they do is that they keep it fresh. There are new musical vistas and horizons
in store for you every time a new Mos Generator album drops. This one, more
than any in the past, certainly provides some new pleasures.
Without even a split second to
catch your breath, the album dives right in to “Strangest Times”. Its a pretty
in your face track that ends with a gorgeous Sabbathian sounding section that
has some very tasty guitar playing. All ten songs on the album have a little
treat ready for you, with songs that seem to be moving in one direction only to
surprise you with a little twist or turn. There are some songs here that are
unlike anything you've heard before from this band. Mr. Reed has stated in
liner notes and interviews that he is using all the influences and ideas at his
disposal now with this band, and it certainly shows through. This album is a
wonderland for anyone who enjoys heavy rock.
I love the track “Easy Evil”. It
has a heavy riff that slams right into you, but it also has a nice, slow groove
to it as well. For me, that is one thing that a lot of heavy bands lose sight
of. Groove is an essential part of rock music, and just because you are playing
something heavy doesn't mean that it can't move you. “As Above So Below” is a
lovely ear worm of a song. Again it grooves as much as it rocks, and I have
found myself humming it as I concentrate at my desk at work or drive down the
road.
If you are a Mos Generator
completist, you already own a few of these tracks, as they have been released
on various splits in which the band has been involved. Do not let that stop you
from buying this album. You need to hear these songs together, moving from one
to another, distinct yet also seeming to form a coherent whole. That this band
can be this many years in and yet still write songs that are unlike anything
they have done before is a testament to how this new-ish version of Mos
Generator works. “Red
Canyons” and “There's No
Return From Nowhere” are unlike anything in the back catalog, at least to my
ears. And as the band continues to embrace new styles and influences there is
really no limit to what they can do. That is certainly a gift and blessing to us
as music fans. They will be playing several shows close to me throughout the
summer and I most definitely plan to see them as many times as I can.
Don't let any preconceived ideas
of this band stop you from checking out this album. It is quite good and very
different, yet also seems like a natural evolution from what they have done in
the past. I can't say enough about this album, and really want to mention again
the groove you will find in this music. It is important. It moves you and keeps
you coming back for more. Give this one a listen and you'll find yourself
coming back for repeats.
-ODIN
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