Moulettes are more than just a band, they are an exceptional collective, formed of various musical cogs that together make a truly unique group. They describe themselves as Neo-baroque-prog-pop-folk-rockers and I would agree this is probably as close to a genre definition you’re ever going to get.
- Moulettes at Eastleigh Festival of Music
However you choose to define them isn’t important, the feelings and emotions their music invokes when you experience it , is.
The release of their second album The Bear’s Revenge see’s the band’s collaborative format still a strong part of how they operate. Appearances on this album include singer/songwriter Liz Green, banjoist Matt Menefee (Cadillac Sky, Chessboxer) and the return of Ted Dwayne (Mumford and Sons) on double bass.
Opener and new single Sing Unto Me saunters along with finger-clicks and deep bass, layering up the groups vocals. This is something which they use more effectively than the previous album, contributing to the overall more polished sound the group have achieved on this album.
The lyrical content is lighter from the previous album where tracks such as Devil of Mine were particularly dark. Now we hear the fairytale folky elements in Sing Unto Me and Unlock The Doors reflecting the frivolity and carnivalesque elements of upcoming festivals and the party mood of summertime.
Balance is the key to any good album and while foot-stomping jigs are when Moulettes are in their element, they are also captivating on slower songs. Songbird is stripped back to just guitar, vocals and violin and shows off their delicate performance skill and song-writing.
Stand out track’s on the album include Uca’s Dance, bound to be a festival favourite for its gypsy, Balkan style dancing rhythm and catchy lyrics. Unlock The Doors captures the dramatic elements of the groups music, singularly the instruments are amazing, bassoon, guitar, violin, drums but together they weave and create something incredible, topped off with the vocals of Hannah and Ruth cutting through like crystal cut glass.
The album really shows how far the band have come in terms of perfecting their sound, it takes a lot to step forward into the music industry with a sound as unique as theirs. But being bold always pays off and I think the rewards have just begun to be reaped.
The buzz around the band has prompted a string of festival bookings including the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival where the band will perform alongside King Charles on The Den stage, as well as slots at Secret Garden Party, End of The Road and Bestival. Not forgetting their own album launch party at Bush Hall on 31st May where they will be joined onstage by Seasick Steve, Arthur Brown and a DJ set from Band of Skulls’ Emma Richardson.
Moulettes are truly flying the flag for unique music and their strong identity will certainly see them go very far.
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