Music can evoke a wide variety of emotions from any listener. One may tear up while listening to “The Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin, while others may have acid-induced air guitar jam sessions. And with the tracks on Either That or the Moon, each song has a feel of its own.
Originally in a five-man band, Jonty Balls, Felix Jaun and Philipp Jaun split in 2012 to create the band that would come to be known as Desert Mountain Tribe. One self-titled EP later, Either That or the Moon has come to fruition.
Upon first listening one may not enjoy the album. Similar chords ring throughout the first few songs, which when dissected come off as repetitive. But upon broader examination, many distinct themes emerge.
On “Heaven and Hell,” Balls sings “I’m on fire” over driving chords reminiscent of something one might hear in a “judgment day” type soundtrack. “OC Dream,” on the other hand, could be the soundtrack of a dream.
While many songs have similar melodies and chord progressions, the band is able to set very different moods. Either That or the Moon achieves a nice blend of sounds, but there are also moments when specific instruments shine through.
“Feel the Light” starts as a smooth synthesis of sounds. Then, it suddenly has a heavy, Alice in Chains reminiscent breakdown. The guitar climbs out of the mix and takes over the show.
Similarly, “Midnight Sky” turns acoustic partway into the song and the vocals shine through, showing the softer side of the band.
One bright spot on the album is “Interstellar,” a nine-minute piece in which slow strums and a soft drum beat lead the ethereal vocals through the first five minutes, eventually crescendoing into a heavier, guitar solo-filled breakdown.
The band is described as “experimental/psychedelic rock,” but the album also has a touch of classic rock. Some songs sound like new-age, softer Black Sabbath, while others have more of a Coldplay sound.
While occasionally sounding repetitive, Either That or the Moon achieves something not many albums can — it’s unique. Whether evoking feelings of sadness or ambition, each song has its own cohesive feel.
What Desert Mountain Tribe lacks in experience, they make up for in originality — and the sky is the limit for just how far this originality can take them.
