Let’s start off by saying if you were a Moose Blood fan before, you’ll be an even bigger fan after listening to this album. If you had never heard of them before, well all that is about to change. After two years, two EPs and a split with Departures, the Canterbury foursome are finally bringing a full-length to the table. Recorded in California with Saosin’s Beau Burchell, I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time pays homage to the band’s early emo influences, all the while throwing in their own gutsy personality.
A little different to what we’re used to, wistful ballad ‘Cherry’ brings to light Moose Blood’s sensitive side. It opens the album up simply with the marriage of Eddy Brewerton’s morose lyrics and a tender guitar. Sensitivity aside, this album is absolutely nailing it in the big choruses department. ‘I Hope You’re Missing Me’ has a very Balance and Composure styled riff, which really shouldn’t come as a surprise now that they’re about to embark on tour together. With its semi-yelled explosive chorus, we’re predicting this one will sound massive live.
For older fans of Moose Blood, you’ll be happy to find some recognisable tracks on the album, but of course not without a little tweaking. ‘Boston’ nicely summarises the life of an “emo” in its chorus: “Bored with nothing to do, but lay around listening to Deja Entendu, thinking about you,” making a cheeky reference to veterans Brand New. Along with ‘Bukowski’ , the two oldies feel right at home among the new tracks, but sounding even edgier and punchier than before.
Through all the hooks and powerful lyrics, the end has somehow creeped up on us. Album closer ‘I Hope You’re Miserable’ is an angsty anthem that feels like the act of throwing up a middle finger in the face of anyone that’s ever let you down. It’s emotive, yet in your face. Needless to say, we’re singing along to this one.
I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time serves as a wave of nostalgia as you’re reminded of the likes of Braid, Brand New and Jimmy Eat World. Paradoxically, it also breathes like a gulp of fresh air. It feels old-school at times, yet extremely relevant to today. A promising debut that will surely put Moose Blood on the maps.
