Careless Moon
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The one time solo project of Sean Cahill, these days The Next Great American Novelist also includes Jason Cummings and studio drummer Danny Sher, and together this sophomore album illustrates strong, timeless and relatable song craft with some of their biggest and most exciting songs to date.
“Blackberry” starts the listen with dreamy indie-rock as soaring vocals guide the warm melodies and lively rhythm section, and “Gravity’s Rainbow”, the first single, follows with a soothing quality to its fluid pop influences and vocal effects.
Near the middle, “Baby Duck Song” finds a romantic place to reside in its piano friendly delivery, while “It’s Been You” brings some of the best singing alongside hazy atmosphere in the very graceful landscape that even takes nods to jazz. “Drag”, the album’s best, then finds itself in buzzing alt-rock that sounds indebted to the ‘90s in all the best ways.
As we get towards the end, “Kubler” moves with a calm, indie-folk quality amid an orchestral backdrop to the break up song, and “Ice Moon” exits the listen with a stylish, intricate execution of retro rock and pop moments that don’t shy away from psyche-rock, either.
An outfit who have been compared to both Weezer and Queen, there’s certainly elements of those legends present, as well as some of the brightest, most adventurous names in recent indie-rock, as Cahill and company continue to flourish with their familiar yet unique brand of modern rock.
Travels well with: The Americans- I’ll Be Yours; Air Traffic Controller- Echo Papa