Moon Letters’ latest album “This Dark Earth” reviewed by Everything Is Noise
Throughout this year, it seems that I haven’t been immersing myself enough in progressive rock, and I attribute this mostly to my negligence. I find myself missing out on new music unless it’s on my review schedule. However, there are always a few bands that can capture my attention and pull me out of my musical rut, and Moon Letters has consistently been one of those bands since 2019.
Upon receiving an email about Moon Letters’ latest album, I was immediately intrigued. Having been a fan of this Pacific Northwest prog rock band since their debut LP “Until They Feel the Sun,” I was curious to see the direction they would take with their new release. Their sophomore album, “Thank You From the Future,” hinted at a more explorative sound with nods to old-school sci-fi surrealism, which excited fans and broke the post-pandemic malaise.
With “This Dark Earth,” Moon Letters manages to strike a perfect balance between their past works, blending personal themes with suspense and adventurous movements. While the album leans towards a moodier tone reminiscent of their debut, it also incorporates theatrical elements and bolder directions, creating a unique listening experience. The band’s growth and comfort in experimenting with different sounds and styles are evident in tracks like “Silver Dream” and “In the Catacombs,” which showcase their musical evolution and penchant for theatrical rock passages.
One of the standout features of “This Dark Earth” is its impeccable production quality. Collaborating once again with Robert Cheek, the band has delivered their best-produced album to date. Each instrument shines without overpowering the mix, allowing for a balanced and cohesive listening experience. Tracks like “Dawn of the Winterbird,” a 17+ minute opus divided into three sections, showcase Moon Letters’ musical dexterity and ability to create diverse sonic landscapes that captivate listeners.
The album’s incorporation of distinctive keyboard tones reminiscent of the American Woodcock’s call adds a unique texture to the music, enhancing its atmospheric quality. Moon Letters’ commitment to crafting immersive soundscapes is evident throughout “This Dark Earth,” making it a deeply personal yet relatable album that resonates with listeners on an emotional level.
Overall, “This Dark Earth” represents a significant step forward for Moon Letters, showcasing their growth as artists while staying true to their progressive roots. The album’s compelling blend of commanding instrumentation and touching lyricism creates a mesmerizing listening experience that will appeal to both longtime fans of the band and newcomers to the prog rock genre. If you’ve lost touch with your proggy side, I highly recommend diving back in with Moon Letters’ latest offering to rediscover the magic of progressive rock.