THANK YOU FROM THE FUTURE

Moon Letters, a humble 5-piece act from Seattle Washington- just independently released their 3rd album. It's interesting how they play with the concept of time in the title: Thank You From the Future because their music easily straddles between the present and the past of prog rock dynasties.

Moon Letters get straight to the point and from the first seconds of the album you are reassured that progressive rock is alive and well, thank you very much. There's no wearing it close to their vests- it's on full display for all to see, and if it doesn't raise any eyebrows, I'd be surprised.

They exploit this genre with great confidence. They keep engaging the listener with their peculiar fresh energy and a seemingly boundless reservoir of creativity and originality. Nothing stale about this collection of 7 songs, despite the fact that there's plenty of winks at the prog traditions that they are undoubtedly steeped in.

Each song is packed with tasty and quirky instrumental sections but there's no conflict with the singing. Three members are credited with vocals, and Michael Trew takes the lead position, also playing the flute. His voice reminded me a bit of Saga's Michael Saddler but I'm not sure who else to compare him to. Like everyone in the band, he's very talented at what he does and fits the whole of the band's sound perfectly. He has a unique and dramatic presence at times. As far as the lyrics, the official bio says 'the album's lyrics explore personal growth, the future of the world, and sci-fi imaginations of the space age.' (Right up my alley..)

If they ever have a hit song, it will be of the Bohemian Rhapsody variety. Moon Letters are relentlessly progressive. At times the music is a bit frenetic, but it's part of their overall charm. They don't sit still or repeat themselves. When I listen to the album I definitely feel like I'm listening to a 'band' - in the proper sense of the word. For example, like the unmistakeable chemistry you feel when listening to a band like The Doors. If there's an epic-ness to this band, it's less connected to the production and more about the enchanting songwriting. There are hints of psychedelic in some parts of songs, but it's not a dominant flavour.

Listening to Thank you From the Future reminded me a little of discovering Yes' Fragile for the first time- it covers many bases of emotions and mysteries and has a unique fingerprint.

There's not much to fault when 50 years after prog was invented, a new band sounds so familiar and yet can challenge and engage you with its' original and cohesive sound.

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