Last year Mood Mechanics dropped The Cool Uncollected Sessions, which is a respectable four-song release and a little more than a year later they are back with a seven-song EP entitled Once A Mountain. This release without a doubt displays the band improving a number of ways and becoming more comfortable within their own skin.
First off the production is better all around. It sounds warmer, bigger and in general just better. The band still implements a copious amount of reverb, which is becoming a staple in their sound. With that it isn't overused and is comparable to the way Local Natives and to a lesser extent Radiohead sometimes implements it. Besides the production the songwriting is improving. The songs are more compact with undeniable hooks. I also felt the vocalist has grown since the last time we heard him. The vocals are more dynamic and sound great going into falsetto. The first track “Speaking Innuendos” is a solid way to start off the album. It’s an almost perfect combination of pop sensibility and originality. The melodies don’t feel contrived but almost immediately accessible. As much as I liked the first song the title track “Once A Mountain” is clearly a standout. The range here is perfect for the vocalist and sounds great when he adds a little funk to his falsetto voice. “Once A Mountain” was a personal favorite but there were a number of other notable songs including the melancholy “Goners” and rocking “Manifesto.” They close with “Handshake” that has another notable vocal performance in which the vocalist gets in a comfortable, clean sounding range. Mood Mechanics combine indie pop/rock aesthetics with a commercial viability. The band is improving by leaps and bounds. Do yourself a favor and start your Halloween weekend with a treat.
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