Moonrisers Deliver a Sonorous Journey with Harsh & Exciting

If you’re on the hunt for a sonic experience that transcends genres and leaves you spellbound, look no further than Harsh & Exciting, the debut album from the dynamic duo Moonrisers. Featuring Libby DeCamp and Adam Schreiber, the pair takes listeners on an auditory adventure that’s equal parts charming and intriguing.

Instruments Take Center Stage

Moonrisers wield their vintage instruments with the precision of master storytellers. DeCamp showcases her beautifully aged 1930s Slingerland May Bell parlor guitar while Schreiber taps away on a century-old calfskin drum kit. This combo doesn’t just play music; it weaves tales of nature, evocatively transporting you with each strum and beat.

But wait, there’s more! The addition of bluegrass legends Tim O’Brien and Chris Scruggs on mandolin, pedal steel, and banjo infuses the album with rich textures. The result? A heady mix that defies traditional classification—think folk meeting blues with a splash of jazz sensibilities.

Nature’s Pulse

The opening track, “Circle of the Seasons,” sets the mood with a circular drum rhythm that embodies the heartbeat of nature. It’s as if you can hear the foliage rustling and the seasons changing—all thanks to that hypnotic combination of guitar and drums.

Then, the album shifts gears with “Muddy Shores,” where polyrhythmic beats mirror the struggle of trudging through muck. It’s auditory imagery that invites you to feel the weight of each step. From lively rhythms to subdued tones, Moonrisers create vivid scenes without uttering a single word.

A Journey of Emotion

One standout track, “Start on Foot,” features a low, looping guitar that captures the essence of solitude, accompanied by drum beats that push the narrative forward. The music paints a picture of a lonely traveler on an introspective journey—no lyrics required.

In another gem, “All Your Hiding,” minimalistic arrangements evoke a sense of reservation and guarded vulnerability. The music breathes, creating a dizzyingly immersive atmosphere—think of it as your personal soundtrack for a reflective evening.

A Touch of Dan Auerbach

Recorded with the help of Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, Harsh & Exciting boasts a production style that feels both warm and restrained. Tracks like “I Came Here to Be Alone” radiate an intimate vibe, perfectly pairing with DeCamp’s enchanting melodies. Auerbach’s deft touch helps craft a sound that’s both reverent and accessible.

And don’t sleep on the title track—it’s the heart of the album. It offers a wonderfully calm space that invites contemplation. Drawing inspiration from Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese,” the phrase “harsh and exciting” speaks not to brutality but to the beauty of our imperfect world.

Not Just a Sound, an Experience

So, is anything actually harsh on this album? Probably not—unless you count Moonrisers humorously labeling themselves as a doom folk band. This collection blends so many styles, from folk to gospel, that any sense of harshness is beautifully elusive.

Ultimately, Harsh & Exciting marries depth with delicacy, encouraging listeners to engage in deep listening. Moonrisers crafts an immersive world where every chord, every beat, pulls you deeper into their ethereal soundscape. So, if you’re ready for an album that urges you to slow down and truly listen, this is your invitation. Grab your headphones, press play, and let the journey unfold!

Jamie Li

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