Some say “never meet your heroes” as you’re likely to be left disappointed. However, for Randy Moore, an encounter (a fist bump) with Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo spurred him on to create a solo project, Bones Shredder. The San Jose multi-instrumentalist isn’t merely a newcomer. Having paid his dues in bands such as power punks Teens in Trouble and rock n’ rollers Get Married, before stints as a hired gun for the solo projects of Alkaline Trio‘s Dan Andriano and Matt Skiba. With those reps under his belt, Bones Shredder‘s debut outing, ‘Morbid Little Thing,’ firmly leans into those who have inspired Moore.
Over the course of nine tracks in 26 minutes, Moore serves up an addictive set of garage-infused power-pop songs. With help from his brother, Dylan, on drums, and Sim Castro and Nick O’Connor on keys, he creates a horror-influenced façade that playfully counters the record’s melody-heavy core. Though the album and song titles hint at something bleak, Moore and company deliver short, sharp hooks such as ‘Daylight’ and ‘Stay Away’ that prove to be irresistibly catchy.
Admittedly, the influence of his peers and inspirations does tend to shine too blatantly. Whether that be ‘Pulling Teeth’s vampiristic Alkaline Trio-shaped erm… bite, or the flashes of Weezer and Fountains of Wayne scattered throughout. Nevertheless, ‘Morbid Little Thing’ offers moments that are worth returning to. Alongside the aforementioned ‘Stay Away’ with its swinging ’60s pop tempo, ‘Sky Is Falling’ flourishes thanks to its new wave guitars, delicious melody, and big harmonies.
Although the influences are obvious, Moore shouldn’t apologise as ‘Morbid Little Thing’ thrives on being a passion project. By pairing a love of his inspirations with sharp hooks and a punk rock ethic, Moore has laid the groundwork for a debut that feels as promising as it is enjoyable.
‘Morbid Little Thing’ by Bones Shredder is released on September 19th on Sunken Teeth Records.
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