The Moons followed up on 2014’s ‘Mindwaves’ with ‘Pocket Melodies’ at the back end of last year. After rehearsing live at Black Barnes Studio, they recorded it live in one day at Abbey Road’s Studio 2. Also backed with an orchestra, would this new method stack up to their previous work?
Their love of the Beatles hasn’t diminished. Some may see this as a positive, some may not. Through singer and songwriter Andy Crofts though, they have a creative who can summon melody at a snap of his fingers.
Bass player Ben Curtis described the intro of ‘Rear Window’ ‘something that should be star Steve Pemberton in Inside No.9 and Reece Shearsmith’. The eerie piano intro develops into the albums standout melody. The crisp soul of Weller’s ‘On Sunset’ and the rustic romance of Ocean Colour Scene’s ‘Spark and Cindy’ are given an orchestral lift to something truly special. The chorus glides by carefree whilst, Crofts’ vocals hit a melodious peak that, only Liam Gallagher’s ‘One of Us’ has rivalled in recent times.
The recording of ‘Pocket Melodies’ was ostensibly working up unfinished songs from the back catalogue. Despite this, their brand of tuneful melancholy brings with it, a narrative of yesteryear and, on ‘Tunnel of Time’ (co-written with Weller) and ‘Where Are You Now?’, the lyrics accompany the sonic.
The former takes stock of the incredible ride Crofts has been on with The On/Offs, The Moons and Paul Weller. Finding his sense of belonging with bands and mod culture, Crofts has got to see the world and do things most of us could only dream off. However, as the tale’s protagonist drifts through space, a yearning to find a new belonging emerges. The acoustic Lennon strumming collides with sumptuous Mick Ronson solos and stunning orchestration to leave you thinking that family life is the healthy anchor to one’s adventures.
‘Where Are You Now?’ is blessed with George Harrison’s effortlessness and timelessness. Uplifting orchestration ambles on by unto a stunning Moody Blues middle eight. All the while, a child contemplates where a parent who left is now. Pensive but beautiful!
‘Pocket Melodies’ is like a group of friends meeting annually to get drunk. No matter the time apart, The Moons slot right back into a groove of great melody and warming embrace.