MOON LETTERS – Thank You From The Future (2022)
Seattle, Washington currently may not be the hotbed for classic prog-rock, but MOON LETTERS are there to bring the classic sounds from the genre alongside a modern approach. Their new album title “Thank You From The Future” recalls the golden era of prog, as well as the wonderful retro-futuristic cover art.
But it’s the music these young guys deliver here what puts a smile of the face for fans of this timeless genre. On “Thank You From The Future” there isn’t epics of lengthy tracks, the band go for concise songs and sound, something that give ’em a wider appeal.
Those with deep knowledge of all things classic prog like Yes and Genesis but also acts from the ’80 and ’90s might just find a hook or two to hang their hats on here.
While the progressive rock of all times represents a strong influence for MOON LETTERS, it must be noted that their music never sounds like a rehash of anything. There is a distinctly different flavor to the tracks, with greater presence of backing vocals, and some electric piano creating a different sound than traditional prog.
Guitarist Dave Webb use of wah-wah also adds a nice variation to the sound and a touch of psych vibe, though he also tosses off the occasional metal-inflected phrase. Michael Trew’s voice has a lighter tone similar to if Jon Anderson had taken vocal coach in the ’90s, with control when needed and great range at others. The rest of the band’s backing vocals are nothing to scoff at either – some great harmonies exist on here that rival the classics.
As said, while the tracks aren’t epic in the sense of length (all in the four to seven minute range), they feature varying sections full of imaginative twists. “Fate of the Alacorn” is a good example.
This seven-minute tune starts off quietly with keyboards, tasty bass work, and delicate lead vocals, then launches into an angular section of intensity. The main section drops into a heavy 5/4 pattern, but then they launch into an instrumental section that’s full of rhythmic changes and rousing fanfares from guitar and synths. It all builds up to a section with pipe organ, orchestral brass sounds, and a flashy guitar solo.
“Child of Tomorrow” is tinged with hope, instrumentally strong and pensive with playful bass as a particularly firm pillar of the track as a somber chorus plays the part of a withered parent or leader speaking the gravity of reality into being: ‘Child of tomorrow, this new world is yours / There’s nothing to return to anymore‘.
You can hear a great taste of the band’s multi-part harmonies on “The Hrossa”, the start of a three-song suite referred to as ‘The Astral Projectionist’. The title seems to reference an otter-like race from C.S. Lewis‘ science-fiction novel Out of the Silent Planet.
This continues with the album’s beyond solid, sole single (as of this writing anyway) “Mother River” and then one of my favorite tracks here, “Isolation and Foreboding”. It has a tense groove almost immediately with creeping electric piano (Mellotron perhaps?) in the middle, and a spacey end that caps the suite so well.
Prog rock’s methodically upbeat approach, one that Moon Letters employs so well, softens the blow – it doesn’t sugarcoat though – with the characteristic genre flourishes and a dramatic timbre as it moves from section to section.
Every track is full of great melodies and tasty arrangements, and any fan of classic progressive rock should enjoy ”Thank You from the Future” aplenty.
Highly Recommended
1. Sudden Sun
2. The Hrossa
3. Mother River
4. Isolation and Foreboding
5. Child of Tomorrow
6. Fate of the Alacorn
7. Yesterday is Gone
Michael Trew – vocals, flute
Dave Webb – guitars, metal toolbox, shovel
John Allday – electric piano, organ, synths, vocals
Mike Murphy – electric fretted and fretless bass, vocals
Kelly Mynes – drums, percussion
BUY
www.moonletters.com/music
