London’s MOSES released their debut album on Friday 17th April. It couldn’t be better named either, ‘Almost Everting Is Bullshit’. via Anti-Fragile Music.
Artwork by Ana Ban Ana
After a well-received EP in 2016, they followed it up three good singles in the following eighteen months. Pre-2010, they would have been signed, financially backed and received airplay. Alas, XFM died, BBC6 grew tired, and labels entrenched themselves with middle of the road solo-artists to save costs. The fact this is album is released then, is a triumph of MOSES resolve.
That suffering is on show during ‘Waiter’. Long shifts and a growing sense of isolation clearly put strains on the relationships of songwriter and singer Victor. Timing is everything in the arts, MOSES has endured mistiming but, ‘Waiter’ right on cue with the world separated from each other.
The heartache and despair of ‘Waiter’ Is countenanced by the compassion and tenderness on ‘Joy’ and ‘Crocodile’. ‘Joy’ decrees “im sure one day I’ll have everything I’ve wished for”, a simple but glorious reminder to keep going. Especially to the current young generations of the UK. Industry after industry, CEO’s choose profit over people and race to the bottom gleefully. Opportunity is ceasing to knock but MOSES grabbed it anyway! Meanwhile, ‘Crocodile’, is joyously childlike. Pushing away life’s stress, they funnel early Dr Feelgood through the playful side of Coxon on ‘Modern Life Is Rubbish’.
‘You Need L’ follows similar themes of relationships being and life ambitions being so close yet so out of reach. Unlike the ‘Joy’ and ‘Crocodile’, the sonically traverse darker realms. As Victor sings “As your down, you need love”, a special frontman is emerging. Said messages are nothing without integrity. The delivery is not only on point, it will drag you into the emotional trenches but, he will lead the fightback out of them! Couple this with the genius awry solo and the anxiety levels are cranked!
It’s not all shades of light and dark though. There is plenty of room for bangers. Live favourite ‘River Thames’ scraps and punches its away to glory. It reawakens the lyrical wit of The Ordinary Boys debut album and, for the first time in a decade, shines a light on the prevalent working-class spirit many will have you believe doesn’t exists there anymore.
‘Cause You Got Me’ is begging to pummel your consciousness. Souls need to be cleansed in big, drunk crowds braying for life-affirming moments of magic on live stages. Then, just when audiences can’t take the adrenaline any more, ‘Findings’ will chime and best friends young and old will hug like never before.
For anyone who hasn’t been on their journey yet, this album will serve you well. A raucous and often tumultuous journey, but never without hope. As madness festers, let them guide you back to the light.
*Image courtesy of https://weareboutique.co.uk/