Album Review: Moose Blood - I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time

Album Review: Moose Blood – I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time

When you’re a band like Moose Blood and you’re a website like Already Heard that has been championing the band for the best part of two years, you have to be slightly wary when a band you have high hopes for release their debut full-length. Thankfully the Canterbury quartet haven’t disappointed.

Despite heading Stateside to record ‘I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time’ sees the band keeping their identity and refraining from becoming “Americanised”. Over the course of 10 songs, they delight you with their lyrical charm. Like their debut EP (‘Moving Home’), the romanticised themes of yearning after or being with THE girl play a major part throughout. Sure it can come across a bit too “cheesy” but songs like ‘Anyway’ and ‘Gum’ are a pleasure to hear.

Opening track ‘Cherry’ is stripped back with a simple guitar strums and Eddy Brewerton’s somber words; “she’s not mine and she will never will be.” It gives the bands style a sense of introspectiveness and sensitivity rather than the upbeat, jangly style we’re used to.

However if you’re a fan of that style, there’s plenty of examples of them on here. Songs like ‘Chin Up’, ‘Pups’ and ‘Kelly Kapowski’ are vibrant and highlights the band’s knack for writing poppy hooks, something we can’t get enough of.

Elsewhere ‘If You’re Missing Me’ sees Moose Blood bringing a more edgy, alt-rock sound that fits in the realms of bands like The American Scene; hard edged verses with bright choruses.

We’re also provided with two “oldies”. Both ‘Boston’ and ‘Bukowski’ have been reworked and now sound more punchy with drummer Glenn Harvey providing some impactful drum fills.

For a band that has carried a certain weight of expectation, Moose Blood have delivered a consistent debut full-length that has allowed them to show their natural growth as writers and as musicians. Musically they are tighter and, at times, more versatile.

Of course some may tire of the repeated lyrical themes of love, loss and lust but as a whole package, ‘I’ll Keep You In Mind…’ is deeply emotive and when combined with the bands effective and punchy hooks. It’ll make you feel nostalgic but will also occasional tug at the heartstrings. Overall it is a record that will cement Moose Blood as one of the UK’s best new melodic rock acts.

4.5/5

‘I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time’ by Moose Blood is released on 6th October through No Sleep Records.

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