The Mops celebrate 10 years as an independent band with their spectacular new album ‘Old Light’. Greg Hutner and Charlotte Hill started the group as a folk, forward-thinking musical collaboration. Since then, through many different sounds and styles, The Mops have exploded into a universe of talent. Their new record is a culmination of this journey and is simply unmissable.
The album is available for pre-order now via Bandcamp, where you can also get a sneak preview of two tracks.
‘Wired’ is as solid as an opening track can get on any record. The lead vocals are some of the most passionate ever heard. The ebb and flow of this song is intense. The listener has no choice but to immediately surrender their time to The Mops. It is clear from the offset this group are here to serenade us with totally satisfying sounds.
The mood is quickly shifted from flowing waters to rocky roads with ‘Wait’. The immediate shift into a new lead vocal is delightfully intense. The two songs play night and day. It is almost impossible to conceive that the two tracks are the works of the same group of people. The Mops ooze talent and strut their musical prowess with no remorse.
A female voice leads us willingly back into deep thought on ‘Lonely Fine’. It could be easy to ignore the simply spectacular instrumentals and togetherness of the collective band. The sound is clearly the work of a cohesive group. The title track ‘Old Light’ is a gorgeously gentle tune. It cuts softly through the built-up angst and doubt. The alternating delivery of male and female vocals throughout the tracks is creatively genius. It is done with precision and intent.
‘Maurice’ is a comforting song about a goose the band picked up on their music recording journey. This song was the last release before the album. It is funny to listen along, knowing the origin of the story. Without it, ‘Maurice’ serves as a beautifully told classic story of a loss. Instead, it is a work of pure magic and momentary love for the world around us.
‘Tardigrades’ introduces another lead vocalist. The ability of this band’s members to defer, take control, and lead is incredible to witness and indulge in. The Mops are the epitome of a coherent band with a love for their holistic craft.
Devilish flow cascades as ‘Nine’ opens. Intense lyrics pair with this sound and thrust us into a land of pensive bliss. This song is a tight-knit ball of quiet rage. It then makes sense that ‘All’s Well’ cradles us carefully back into an easy mind. The two are somehow then joined by ‘Inconvenient Feeling’. Sounds, both soft and intense, combine perfectly with introspective lyrics.
‘Land of the Dead’ is another song that deserves its own praise. The sound crescendos and diminuendos, and each time with striking poise. The Mops do this throughout the record flawlessly. This song, along with ‘Simon’, nicely peppers us up for the finale. ‘Soil Water Sun’ draws a complete curtain on one of the most magnificent records to date.
The Mops are simply exquisite. A true musical powerhouse with an unwavering passion for their projects. The Mops showcase this wonderful album at the Waterfront Museum, New York, on Saturday 12th September. Tickets can be found here.
Words by Thomas Pressley Hitchcock
The post The Mops Shine Bright On ‘Old Light’ appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.
