Moon Bros. / These Stars
Album: These Stars   Collection:General
Artist:Moon Bros.   Added:Sep 2016
Label:Western Vinyl  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2016-10-04 Pull Date: 2016-12-04
Week Ending: Oct 30
Airplays: 1

Recent Airplay
1. Oct 29, 2016: Music Casserole
Pitch

Album Review
DJ Away
Reviewed 2016-09-25
Considering the band name, this impressionistic, jazzy, minimal alt-country record is refreshingly un-bro-y. It's the project of Matt Schneider, who grew up under the star of country guitar master Chet Atkins before falling in with Chicago experimental rock artists like Tortoise. Here, Schenider's backed by agile pedal steel, barely perceptible bass, and loose, brushed drums. He has a rough, quivery, and vulnerable voice that reminds me of Chris Grigoroff from the criminally unsung Souled American. Every minute is wispy, graceful, warm, and beautiful. RIYL: Steve Gunn, William Tyler, Will Johnson, Boxhead Ensemble. Favorites: 1, 2, 5, 8. No FCCs.

1. *(2:47)—Slow, plaintive, sweet. A simple song.
2. *(6:11)—Mid-tempo, upbeat, sunny. Begins with harmonica, cartwheeling guitar arpeggios. Glides along, then disintegrates in the final minute.
3. (2:43)—Instrumental. Fast, fluid, sprightly.
4. (3:44)—Mid-tempo, light, a country song with Spanish guitar. (Reminds me of Willie Nelson's 90s stuff.)
5. *(5:14)—Instrumental, mid-tempo. Dramatic classical guitar intro and chimes. Picks up, becomes reminiscent of Calexico.
6. (4:47)—Medium-fast, bright, rolling, soothing.
7. (6:10)—Instrumental. Medium-fast. Bluesy, as the title indicates. Subtle string textures? Fans of Steve Gunn or William Tyler will love love love this.
8. *(3:46)—No tempo, feels almost like improv. Arpeggiated guitar flourishes, droning washes of pedal steel. Harmonica. This really reminds me of Souled American's last two records.

Track Listing
1. These Stars   5. Corrido
2. Pitch   6. Wool Blankets
3. El Conejo   7. Blues
4. Oh So Cold   8. Ac/Dc