The Seattle, WA band MOON DIAL bring reduced guitar pop and dignified subject matter to their ever-growing audiences.
Frequently, you will find that elements billow and contract, at other times the sounds draw back. Then they are emotionally cleansing — washing away evil-spirits using unexpected concoctions.
Moon Dial’s ringlets & curls prompt the listener to pay attention.
Now they reveal “Nice Day Pretty Colors” [out out December 7th]
We had an early listen —
“Icicle Peak” has a delicate tissue, even if the main voice [Jon Atkins] is often harsh and strident.
There are light touches from Garrett Croxon’s drums [Fleet Foxes.] You could say the downside here is that there is more than a little of Morrissey. Of course, you might love the SMITHS 1982-1984 — and if you do, then there is nothing to fear from a vocal delivery that is sweetly dramatic and often shaky — yet slips occasionally into mismatched falsetto.
Title track “Nice Day Pretty Colors” has a summer jazz-feel with lush bass-notes [ Jeff Anderson] and easy-easy vocal style.
The chings of key help to push this song along and the harmonies from the succulent Cello [from Lauren Swiderski ] add regret. This is poetic and sincere.
“Lake Hills” has some jarring guitar-sounds and a complex, wordy structure. This comes alive with the sax [ Art Brown / Kate Olson] and then it turns from jazzy soft-rock into blue-eyed soul… with the attendant feeling and artistic merit.
For fans of The Byrds or Neil Young.
You can hear the Lead Single on the band’s site here: http://www.moondialmusic.com/single
RAW RAMP 