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Review: Jack Name ‘Weird Moons’

Considering John Webster Adams (or hereby Jack Name) was once a member alongside the likes of Ty Segall and Tim Presley in the riotus White Fence – it comes as no surprise that the guitars here on Weird Moons are likewise fuzzy, often manic, and channeling vast, psychedelic soundscapes. It is, however, a comparatively unique recording which is bolstered by such lo-fi spontaneity herein and its thoroughly eerie ambiance.

For most of Weird Moons, Name opts for distorted vocal effects that gives his crooning a similar charm to that of Connan Mockasin, and although fuzzed-out guitars feel most prominent here, Weird Moons is rounded out with some of the most phantasmal sounding synthesizers, as made evident by the whirring pervading through “Lowly Ants.” The synth and vocal mix in “Watcher Talk” also calls to mind the sound of early MGMT and Andrew VanWyngarden’s modest vocal lull, as does the album’s most graceful two minute fling, “Io.” It’s strange opening, “Werewolf Factory” plodding along with its unfussy bass line and drum work soon to be met by an assortment of drooping guitar riffs; each layer (what’s at least four) weeping its own shrill melody upon one another. And while it may emulate many great psyche bands of the past, “Werewolf Factory” still manages to feel both endearing and fresh, and serves a great opening track.

Percussion on “Under The Weird Moon” gallops ceaselessly to keep in stride with its perplexing guitar lines (most of which are smothered in flange), creating what would be a fitting backdrop to an old horror movie. The single, “Running After Ganymede,” follows suit, evoking a desolate landscape as the sound of New York’s Suicide once did: its pulsating bass melody floating above an electronic beat comprised of stable, monotonous claps; one I’m quite sure Rev & Vega would be proud of.

One of the album’s definitive highlights comes in “Waiting For Another Moon.” While the peculiar, ghostly ambiance remains throughout this track, this song is a fun and somewhat childish departure from the rest of the record; the synthesized bass exhibiting a playful vibe to coalesce seamlessly with its perplexing vocal and a marching drum sequence. What’s brilliant about “Waiting For Another Moon,” and to the music of Weird Moons as a whole, is that Jack Name doesn’t seem to embrace any specific direction with all this noise he’s created, but rather outlines a foundation on top of which he improvises, rendering a half-hour full of sonic intrigue and variety.

Review by Jospeh Madden. Find him on Twitter @joejessepi.

Jack Name ‘Weird Moons’



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