Moss – Ornaments CD
Ornaments is a record that sounds a little less upfront; Moss comes across as more detached and plays more with electronics and depth. This results in a somewhat darker album that, however, never becomes heavy. With the not particularly striking single "What You Want," Moss stays close to home, and the first tracks on Ornaments won't surprise many: the subtle rhythms and light pop sound of the opener "I Am Human" are recognizable, and the follow-up "Spellbound," with its Bonanza rhythm and punchy guitars, feels pleasantly familiar, though it's still quite a striking track.
After this, Moss serves up a slightly different sound, and the band manages to deliver several beautiful compositions. A subdued drum machine carries the light drones and melancholy of Tiny Love, a song with an impressive, dreamy break. The short "Everything Died In Your Heart" is also a feat of sonic magic in a pop jacket. At other times, Moss seems to draw inspiration from new wave: the atmospheric "Give Love To The Ones You Love" is a track Interpol would happily cover.
"The Hunter" and "Ornament" lean towards electropop, but in Moss's hands, these become tracks that defy easy categorization: firstly, Marien Dorleijn's vocals still evoke memories of classic West Coast, surf, and psychedelia. Secondly, Moss also consistently peppers the "electronic" tracks with delicious guitar work. Incidentally, "Ornament" is one of the most experimental album tracks Moss has ever created; an electropop song that unfolds as a dark and hypnotic soundtrack. Here, the band slowly but surely conjures up an almost apocalyptic atmosphere. We didn't see that coming!
On Ornaments, Moss demonstrates that it's perfectly possible to create a fresh sound without sacrificing its own identity or quality. No radical changes, then. That's wise rather than cowardly. Moss remains a vocal pop band first and foremost, and Marien Dorleijn's vocals don't easily blend with crackling electronics or heavy metal. In this respect, Ornaments is a prime example of how a band can continually innovate.
Label: Excelsior Recordings
Country: Netherlands
Media Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)