Moon Letters: This Dark Earth

Moon Letters' This Dark Earth is a masterful follow-up to their critically acclaimed Thank You From The Future, album that included the song "Fate Of The Alarcon", the song that made me fall in love with their music, and left me craving for new music since, so I approached This Dark Earth with high expectations. Building upon the foundations laid by their previous work, the Seattle-based quintet has crafted an album that not only lives up to expectations but surpasses them in many ways. The band's unique blend of psychedelic progressive rock continues to evolve, incorporating more complex arrangements and heavier riffs while maintaining their signature melodic sensibilities.

One of the standout aspects of This Dark Earth is the band's ability to balance intricate musicianship with memorable songwriting. Michael Trew's distinctive vocals, with their characteristic trembling nuance, add an emotional depth to the record, while his flute cameos provide a welcome touch of elegance. John Allday's keyboards and synthesizers bring a classic progressive rock feel to the table, complementing Dave Webb's versatile guitar work perfectly.

The rhythm section, comprised of Kelly Mynes on drums and Mike Murphy on bass, is nothing short of phenomenal. Their work is pristine, hypnotic, and provides the perfect foundation for the band's sprawling arrangements. The way they weave together complex time signatures and polyrhythms is truly impressive, drawing comparisons to legendary bands like King Crimson and Gentle Giant.

What sets This Dark Earth apart from its predecessor is the band's increased confidence and maturity. The album's 43 minutes are packed with intricate details and surprises, making it a joy to listen to repeatedly. While it's difficult to pinpoint specific standout tracks, "Island Of Magic Mirrors", "In The Catacombs", and the epic three-part suite "Dawn Of The Winterbird" are definite highlights.

In comparison to Thank You From The Future, This Dark Earth feels more refined and polished, with the band pushing the boundaries of their sound even further. The production is crisp, and the band's chemistry is palpable throughout the record. If you're a fan of modern progressive rock, Moon Letters' This Dark Earth is an absolute must-listen. With its intricate arrangements, memorable songwriting, and exceptional musicianship, this album is a contender for album of the year and a testament to the band's growing stature in the genre... cheers!

Track Listing:
1. Energy Of The Heart (6:28)
2. Silver Dream (6:38)
3. Island Of Magic Mirrors (5:58)
4. Lonely Moon (2:10)
5. In The Catacombs (4:32)
6. Dawn Of The Winterbird (17:18)
i. I Am Not Afraid
ii. Laughing Stream
iii. The Portal

Added: June 24th 2025
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 219
Language: english

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