In Australia, the music scene constantly feeds into itself. Bands often exchange members, leading to the creation of new groups. These collaborations often result in wonderful combinations that produce amazing work. The latest example of this is Heavy Moss. Lucas Harwood, bassist of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, is the most prominent member of this quartet, which has various musical roots. As Heavy Moss, they play something between psych pop and expressive rock.
Two years after their formation, their debut album Dead Slow (p(doom)) is out, and it can confidently be described as a major achievement. It’s a straightforward rock album that still carries dramatic undertones, yet never becomes overbearing. Big, ambitious ideas are placed alongside quick sketches, all blending together organically.
There is so much love and joy in this album. Genre boundaries don’t exist here, as shown right from the opener, Le con, where psychedelic, soul, and blues rock seamlessly merge.
The catchy rock number Distant Boy is followed by the fuzzy Sixties garage-style track Jump. The flow still works, even though the two approaches could not be more different.
Blutac, possibly the album’s highlight, is a trippy krautrock piece. It drifts beautifully while remaining wonderfully catchy. To close, the atmospheric Cold strikes a quieter, more subdued tone. It’s a quirky and surprising record.
Heavy Moss – Dead Slow: A fantastic debut from a rising rock star. – RIFL
