Muldoon - Strange Magic

Muldoon

Strange Magic
self-released; 2014

3.2 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Sarah Morgan and Joel Schrauben make up the duo that call themselves Muldoon. They recently released a four- song DIY style demo entitled Strange Magic, which serves as a sample of the type of music they play. The music contains slow moving reverb laced atmospheric globs of sound that are sung over by Morgan. I enjoyed the fact that they are embracing a style and aesthetic that few bands attempt. It mixes elements of post-rock and psychedelia where the guitar is the center of the music. It often moves like molasses but never the less is impactful. 

The biggest issue and really the only issue with the EP is that this music calls for high production value, which unfortunately is not present. Music that is as grandiose as this should have guitars that sound like they were recorded at the top of a mountain and vocals that soar. It’s not there yet. The drums sometimes sound like ghosts of themselves and the vocals aren't treated properly. I realize not everyone has the ability to record in a professional studio with trained engineers but I hope the duo can make the jump at some point.

The EP starts with “Out of HIs Mind,” which begins with the light strumming of a sole guitar that quickly gets layered with a lead guitar and low hanging drums. The mood is melancholy as Morgan sings, “a dress that you bought, you build a house to fill.” Morgan puts on a dynamic vocal performance that displays her range.

“Wrecking Ball” is creates a sprawling landscape of distant sounding guitars while “Corners” has a space and openness that lets Morgan’s voice sound crisp. They close with “Seaside,” which has a distinct Pink Floyd type vibe and was also the most well written track on the EP. The grove as well as the vocal line gets stuck in your head.

This EP forms a good foundation for the band, which they can build upon. I hope to hear them evolve and grow with their next release. 

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