.Moneen. are a band that fall firmly under the ‘criminally underrated’ umbrella and this, their fourth full-length is their best attempt yet at serenading some mainstream ears. It’s easily their most accessible release to date, and although it is a great piece of work on the whole, it’s entirely probable the dedicated few that follow the Brampton, Ontario quintet will be left scratching their heads.
For a band that has carved a unique niche in the indie-rock market with their taste for awkward soundscapes hiding slivers of melodies, ‘The World I Want To Leave Behind’ is extremely conventional. There’s a big focus on good old choruses this time around as ‘Hold That Sound’ and ‘The Monument’ convey perfectly, while ‘Waterfalls’ is their take on a demi-ballad that show Kenny Bridges at his most fragile.
However, in no way should the above two paragraphs detract from how brilliantly executed this album is. Where they’ve lost some of their eccentricities, they’ve more than made up for with emotionally crushing anthems – some of which may even have the potential for *gasp* radio play. ‘Redefine’ and album closer ‘The Glasshouse’ will surely invoke mass singalongs at their alleged Slam Dunk appearance next month and these melodies are only emphasised by the cleaner approach to production they’ve taken this time around. At times there are hints of Jimmy Eat World and The Get Up Kids emitting from the speakers, and ultimately this is as passionate as honest a record as any ‘Clarity’ or ‘On A Wire’ ever was. It’s beautiful.
So – to recap. ‘The World We Want To Leave Behind’ is a big, big step for .moneen. It’s a curveball for long-standing fans with all its choruses and convention and there are no silly 20-word song titles, either. It’s got the potential to disappoint some of their most dedicated followers, but conversely it opens them up to a whole new audience. Ultimately, it’s a brilliantly crafted record that sees them at their most honest and passionate yet and it’s a profoundly necessary listen.