The third single from their upcoming full-length, Moab is a glorious swagger of a song – all country-punk strut and twang, juxtaposed with a lyrical vulnerability and charm that’s disarmingly captivating. It’s also demonstrative of a consistent and natural knack for a memorable pop hook – its melodies sliding in and sticking seamlessly as the song builds and breaks. Production details are subtle and enriching – with a cackle of dusty banjo peppering proceedings and those gloriously rich sways of pedal steel that lilt and linger longingly. Shifting dynamics allow for the song to find space in its quieter moments before the band, helmed by Brendan Wright, takes flight again with their potent pop-country groove.
Opening with propellant drums and the repeated, plaintive refrain of ‘I give up’ – Wright has described this song as about trying to let go, and when the band kicks in, it truly feels cathartic. Like a pumped-up South San Gabriel – the so-called ‘farm emo’ sound this Boston four-piece blasts out is a polished stew of hook-laden country-rock that warms the cockles nicely. Ending abruptly with a distorted fizz and a mumbled aside – it’s a reminder to press play once more.
Possessed of a radio-friendly charm – it feels like music to pour from a car’s opened windows in the half-baked evening sun. The playing is tight and yet pleasingly loose – I imagine they really let this rip live too. The always reliable Audio Antihero are set to release the album, Troubadour, on November 14th. Moab is well worth getting to know before then.
Written by M.A Welsh (Misophone)
