As a music journalist specialising in punk and post punk music, I get sent a LOT of rock music. After a while the tropes become fairly obvious and it takes something truly special for me to take notice. If memory serves me right I'd been sent a track by MOSES before and dismissed it, but I gave them another chance when I was sent their latest tune "Mad (About My Dreams)" and I'm so glad I did.
Mad (About My Dreams) channels bands such as The Stone Roses and especially Blur, but despite being derivative, this is no pale comparison, this track does more than hold a candle to other britpop legends and even surpasses some of them. The song is catchy and danceable while still retaining angst, which is all I ask for of punk bands today. So many bands have forgotten that half the point of listening to rock music is dancing like a lunatic and screaming along to the lyrics, I'm pleased that MOSES still hold true to the principle that every artist should follow: Serve The Song.
There are some really interesting performances going on here, I love the use of harmonics in the guitar part. A lot of guitarists throw in harmonics unnecessarily, but here they are an essential ingredient in moving the track forward. Speaking of moving the track forward, that rhythm section! The bass is anchoring everything with that dance groove, giving the drums the freedom to do some steady but tasteful accents with the hi hat and some cool fills, but the drummer doesn't go overboard and sticks to locking in with the bass, exactly as a great drummer should. The performance I am most impressed with is from the vocalist. The chorus is hooky while not being cheesy, and the verses display some really impressive and interesting melodies.
The way I write these reviews is usually by listening to the song first and writing about that before going into any biography I've been sent. I've just had a read through the press pack and I'm pleased to know that this song is from their upcoming second album "I Still Believe, Do You?" a record devoted to those who are doubting their talent and their future in their chosen field. As someone who is acutely feeling that sentiment at the moment, I'm glad to know there will be an album out there for me to listen to whenever I feel the spark fading. Surprisingly for an atheist, I can say "MOSES, I do believe". Check out Mad (About My Dreams) when it releases in just a few days on the 3rd of June 2022.
Peace, Love & Cowbells,
Oscar
