Leeds-based band Moose Wrench is back with “Dead Stars” and the first few seconds will completely catch you off guard. It immediately throws you into this wonderfully psychedelic world that personally gave me serious Woodstock vibes. It feels colourful, chaotic and just a little bit unhinged, in the best possible way. Before you even think about the lyrics, you’re already being swept along by the groove.
Moose Wrench clearly aren’t interested in making straightforward alternative rock. Their mix of psych rock, progressive twists and quirky humour gives the song its own personality. Even without guitars, the combination of keytar, bass and drums creates a huge and mesmerising sound. Every time you think you’ve settled into a rhythm, another little left turn appears.
Lyrically, “Dead Stars” is surprisingly simple, especially considering it tackles something as huge as humanity’s place in the universe. Normally I’d expect something much more complicated for a theme like that, but keeping the words minimal actually works.
Rather than overexplaining the idea, the lyrics become another instrument, letting the atmosphere do most of the talking. And that’s really where this song shines.
I found myself paying far more attention to the overall song than trying to analyse every line. It almost feels hypnotic. The repeating grooves, the swirling keyboards and the driving rhythm section slowly pull you in until you realise you’re completely locked into Moose Wrench’s strange little universe. At one point I genuinely felt like I was accidentally joining some wonderfully weird psychedelic cult… and honestly, I didn’t mind one bit.
“Dead Stars” is weird, playful and full of personality from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a song that takes you somewhere unexpected for four minutes, Moose Wrench have delivered exactly that. It’s the kind of track that makes you smile, scratch your head a little, then immediately press play again.
IT’S FESTIVAL SEASON, ALL THE LATEST LINE UPS AND FESTIVAL NEWS HERE AND INTERVIEW NEWS HERE