You might not have heard of Mexico City’s Moon Moon before, but the band makes it easy for you to know what kind of music they make. Not only do they repeat the name of Earth’s lone natural satellite twice for their moniker (à la Duran Duran, but that’s not the hint), they also titled their new full-length album Moon as well. All in the name of showing that they’re into space rock.
Moon Moon actually make 60s- and 70s-inspired acid rock with traditional instruments (groovy, bluesy, trancey), spiced up with analog machines for that special retrofuturist sound. Considering their use of electronics, it’s no wonder they enlisted Hugo Quezada as their producer; after all, Quezada was part of synth punk band Robota, but is just as capable of handling raw rock ‘n’ roll like when he recently helmed the board for noise garagers El Shirota. The results are a match made in synth heaven.
The settings are intergalactic and just a hint of dramatic, with trance riffs cycling over and over again before bluesy solos take over and then back again in an organic arrangement of sounds. The production and arrangements make things interesting – like the drums on “Sustancia” suggesting what Joy Division producer Martin Hannett might have done. “Ed Gein” stomps with massive stoner riffs and grooves, while “It’s Not Enough” wouldn’t have sounded out of place at Woodstock. “Liz,” meanwhile, features acoustic guitars and pretty melodies played on a synth. Another acoustic number ends the running order. “Shadow Girl” is darker and more restrained, giving a particular display of what Moon Moon are capable of when they go for minimalism.
If you’re looking for good vibrations and slightly darker sonic trips, Moon Moon has the right amount of retro rocking and modern energy to keep you listening.