New Moon

Rating

Album: New Moon
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Open the Door	More Info...	3:01
2)	Half Angel Half Light	More Info...	3:19
3)	Without A Face	More Info...	2:47
4)	The Seeds	More Info...	4:18
5)	I Saw Her Face	More Info...	5:22
6)	High And Lonesome	More Info...	2:42
7)	The Brass	More Info...	3:22
8)	Electric	More Info...	3:16
9)	I See No One	More Info...	3:23
10)	Birdsong	More Info...	4:14
11)	Freaky	More Info...	2:25
12)	Supermoon	More Info...	8:00

Album: New Moon
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Open the Door	More Info...	3:01
2)	Half Angel Half Light	More Info...	3:19
3)	Without A Face	More Info...	2:47
4)	The Seeds	More Info...	4:18
5)	I Saw Her Face	More Info...	5:22
6)	High And Lonesome	More Info...	2:42
7)	The Brass	More Info...	3:22
8)	Electric	More Info...	3:16
9)	I See No One	More Info...	3:23
10)	Birdsong	More Info...	4:14
11)	Freaky	More Info...	2:25
12)	Supermoon	More Info...	8:00

Performer Notes

On their fourth album in as many years, the Men are fast becoming one of the more prolific bands in indie rock, and though New Moon might be a mellower affair than their previous work, they show no signs of slowing down. Continuing along the path set down on 2012's Open Your Heart, the album pairs the abrasive production of their earlier efforts with a more melodic sound, creating a sound akin to Dinosaur Jr. on a serious Tom Petty kick. Though this new approach might come as a bit of a shock, given the kinds of sonic destruction the Men have been known to delight in, it's a move that the band has been telegraphing little by little as time has gone on, making songs like "Half Angel Half Light" and "I Saw Her Face" feel like a logical step in the band's growth to anyone paying attention. Fortunately for fans of their punishing past, New Moon smoothes out the edges without getting rid of them completely, leaving just enough rough patches here and there to remind listeners that there's still plenty of muscle hiding just below their languid fa‡ade on crash-and-bang bruisers like "Without a Face" and "The Brass." While on the surface it's easy to see New Moon simply as a band softening its approach, the melodic evolution feels more and more like the Men are trying to separate themselves from an ever-growing sea of second-wave noise rock bands, willingly abandoning a burgeoning trend before they're forever anchored to it. Luckily, the Men have enough versatility that they'll hopefully be paddling on long after the ship has sunk. ~ Gregory Heaney

Professional Reviews

Rolling Stone (p.72) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "NEW MOON reminds you that the Men can go pretty much anywhere they please, from pogo-worthy explosions and instrumental backwoods bum-outs to old-school psychedelic blowouts."

Billboard (p.53) - "Men's songwriting chops are sharp, brought to the forefront with the Americana swing of 'Open the Door.'"

Mojo (Publisher) (p.96) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Tracks like 'Half Angel Half Light' suggest the passion remains fully intact."