The recent resurgence of shoegaze bands, and those who trying to emulate the youthful exuberance of the “The scene that celebrates itself” has, like anything, come with both negatives and positives. The downside is that the term has once again been applied to any band listens to ‘Loveless’ once, plays a Fender Jaguar, and knows how to use a reverb pedal. The positive impact is that it leaves room for a band like Belgium’s Newmoon to stand out from what is become a heavily diluted sound.
It’s been a couple of years since Newmoon emerged with their glorious ‘Invitation to Hold’ EP, which was one of the most instantly likeable releases of 2014. The problem was that three tracks just wasn’t enough, and it would be an understatement to say that the release of their debut album, ‘Space’, is highly-anticipated. For those who have been waiting with baited breath since the carrot was dangled with their EP, they will not be disappointed.
As you become wrapped up in ‘Space’, you get the feeling that Newmoon have looked at the blueprints laid down by the forbearers of alternative rock, indie, and shoegaze, and wondered how they could harness a classic sound yet still expand on it. It soars in all the right places through uplifting, bright guitar riffs, and allows breathing room for delicate, serene moments of beauty. ‘Space’ never feels forced, or that Newmoon are trying to sound like anyone else but themselves.
While the Belgian band clearly has a fondness for guitar pedals (and let’s be honest, if you play guitar, who doesn’t), but rather than crank everything up high possible, they have utilised effects perfectly. It gives perfectly composed rock songs like ‘Head of Stone’ and ‘Skin’ more weight, with every section of Newmoon’s triple guitar onslaught crystal clear and enchanting.
When playing this sort of music, there’s always the danger of the mix becoming muddled, which can make you feel overwhelmed while trying to pull apart what’s going on. That’s not the case with ‘Space’. The end result is an inviting, fully immersive listening experience. It cohesively runs through the dreamy haze of ‘Everything Is’ to the layers of thick fuzz that cut through the reverb of ‘One Thousand’.
You could sit here and say that Newmoon sound like this band or that band, but really, that would be doing them a disservice. ‘Space’ is a thoroughly accomplished album, where the band have been able to realise the sound they have been looking for. They have achieved what only a handful of special bands can under the shoegaze banner, and with ‘Space’, have made a familiar sound their very own.
GLEN BUSHELL