In these ultra-referential times, in which any kind pop is nothing but a conglomerate of already existing music, it has become increasingly difficult for bands to find and maintain their autonomy between all kinds of references and sources of inspiration. Night Moves who have once again shrunk to the duo John Pelant and Micky Alfano, also make us think of many different influences on their second record »Pennied Days«. Their elegant west coast pop reminds us of MGMT’s debut (»Carl Sagan«) but also brings back memories of the somewhat over-produced psych-country-sound of their early days around 2009 (»Leave Your Light On«) or Flaming Lips’ electro pop of the Yoshimi era. At other parts, they are even going for stadium-rock-clichés between Bruce Springsteen and U2. However, all in all, the band from Minneapolis, Minnesota have managed to convincingly create their very own and consistent universe of sound between all these bits and pieces. Together with producer John Agnello, who might have sanded the rough edges a little too smoothly here and there, Night Moves have come up with nine songs, which sound catchy and optimistic on the surface while disseminating a dark melancholy underneath. In the era of musical Bricolage, »Pennied Days« has turned out to be a mature, tasteful and, most importantly, independent record.
Home Is Where
Hunting Season
Wax Bodega