High on Stress "Moonlight Girls" (OBT Records 2006)

Stress related listening from High on Stress

There's an old adage: 'if it's not broken don't mend it' and HOS have taken a well worn sound and decided not to mess with it. HOS have taken their roots & influences (REM, Byrds, Tom Petty, Wilco and the Jayhawks) and blended them into this record. Unfortunately, this four piece band do not have the songwriting credentials to make a record which would see their "Moonlight Girls" take a second look. Having said that, there's nothing here to dislike. The songs are pleasant enough, lead singer Nick Leet assumes the Jeff Tweedy role with his snarling vocals and the band of Mark Devaraj, Jon Tranberry & Ben Baker are consumate musicians. The record is full of country rock and acoustic strumming that makes it easy on the ear, and it's only when the band break away from the 'formula' on songs such as the excellent 'Minot' 'Postcard that Says Breath' and '1995' that the record makes you sit up.

There's nothing new here and we have all heard it all before, but it would be foolish to write off HOS on this one record; there is talent here but the band need to find some stronger songs and their own sound.

Date review added:  Sunday, May 14, 2006
Reviewer:  Andy Riggs
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  OBT Records