Cincinnati-based band Moth's latest album, Immune to Gravity, delivers upbeat, enjoyable music that would make even the most modest listeners nod their heads. They exude an extreme amount of energy in nearly every song, creatively crossing genre boundaries to create a unique sound. Moth could be described as a combination of retro, new wave and alternative rock styles.
The album begins with "Helpless," a fast-paced plea for help. Lead singer Brad Stenz belts out an almost Tarzan-like howl at the beginning of the chorus, which is somehow both pleasant and catchy. Though not the best on the album, this song sufficiently sets up their sound and prepares the listener for what they have to look forward to — vigorous vocals backed by intense instrumentals.
"Revolution" describes a typical night at the bar, where the girls just want to dance. Each line is smoothly recited with conflicting emotion and wavering interest toward a girl. Stenz nicely captures the way a man thinks, no doubt thanks in some small part to him being a man.
"That bitch drank my Jack and Coke. Don't look! I think she checked me out," Stenz rhythmically states. A majority of the tracks are about women in one way or another, but these songs seldom suffer from predictability.
In the middle of the song, he somehow manages to spell out an entire sentence in a matter of about six seconds. He fires off each letter, making them all flow in a rather lyrical way. It is difficult to decipher what is being spelled out and the liner notes frustratingly lack lyrics. However, it is not important what is being spelled, but the fascinating manner in which it is being done.
"Girl on Girl," the album's third track, is the band's most tongue-in-cheek venture on the disc. It begins with Stenz quickly rattling off the backgrounds of two girls, Claire, a schoolteacher, Betty, an employee at a roller rink. One Friday night, he takes Betty out to a club. Claire is there and immediately catches the eye of Betty. Betty pursues Claire. This intrigues Stenz: "Girl on girl, going to rock my world."
Now traditionally, Stenz would have written about how he got it on with both girls, inevitably rocking both of their worlds as well as his own. Instead, he sacrifices the sex-god image and the song takes an amusing turn. Betty decides to dump him for Claire. "Get lost, man. We don't want you around," Stenz repeats what the girls said to him, "Leave us alone. We're going to get down." He walks to the bar in need of a drink. "I couldn't believe they left me high and dry … girl on girl, wrecked my world."
Soon after, the obligatory slow song "Perfect" is, ironically, their weakest moment. Moth succeeds when they infuse snappy lyrics and a quick beat. This song's tempo is much more gradual, and its lyrics are a little too corny. With a line like, "I wouldn't trade this for anything. Perfect is who you are," the listener may begin to gag on this conventional, cheesy sentiment. That's not to say this track is musically unpleasant, just different. It does not utilize what they do best and, therefore, sticks out.
The title track "Immune to Gravity" returns to the band's established form. It begins with a short but solid string of drumming. This is followed by yet another engaging guitar riff, a skill the members of Moth seem to have mastered. Though still a tad over-romantic — "When you're with me, I'm immune to gravity" — the song rocks, which more than makes up for any of the sappy lyrics.
"How Could You?" finishes out the album in fulfilling fashion. Stenz lists all of the things a girl left behind at his residence. He whines, "Out of all the things you left behind, how could you leave me?" It may be whiney, but at least it is clever at the same time. The song is simple, easy to follow and contains an unambiguous analogy, which are all credits to the songwriter.
The album will not be released until March 21, but if you simply cannot contain your curiosity, the CD can be previewed and purchased right now at Moth's MySpace, www.myspace.com/moth. Also, they will be performing at the King Club here in Madison next week Tuesday, Feb. 28. If the show is half as fun as the CD, it could be an excellent experience. With their up-tempo, likable songs, Moth and their new album Immune to Gravity should be able to attract a considerable amount of attention.
Rating: 4 out of 5
