USA -78 mins Private Press?

https://losttribesofthemoon1.bandcamp.com/

 https://www.facebook.com/losttribesofthemoon/

Rating 85/100

I often wonder whether self-imposed genres, adopted by a band or in fact retained by a band, can sometimes be misleading. I say this because descriptions such as Doom Metal, Black Metal and Heavy Metal etc. can often dissuade certain progressive rock fans from listening and as a consequence re-direct them away from what is, in fact, wonderfully considered music. OK, I know from my own experience in the early days of a band’s existence that such loyal fans cherish such classifications and this might be ‘fine and dandy for those bands who might be limited in their ability to expand or who are unable to push their boundaries to higher limits. But here with ‘Lots Tribes of the Moon’ they have talent in abundance. They, in fact, possess a wonderful sense of musicality with oodles of originality. For sure there is a sultry, doom ridden edge to both their output and their quite gloomy lyrical content, however, and as expressed in their press release: there are elements of Prog Rock, Folk, and Experimental forays that all combine to create their own unique sound. So the point I am making is, that in my opinion, ‘Lost Tribes of the Moon’ are positively well and deeply entrenched within the ‘Progressive Rock’ sphere of rock music. In fact, I would rearrange their descriptive prose to say ‘Progressive Rock’ with distinctive elements of Doom, Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Folk, and Experimental. Actually, thinking about it, not too far removed from the UK seventies band ‘Black Widow’ and certainly influenced by the past output from Canadian supergroup ‘Rush’.

All in all, there is a wonderful dynamism about the band’s output, music which is immensely creative, strangely hypnotic and with sounds that are peppered with a whole host of ever-changing atmospheres that are also full of artistic textures. Also comprises fascinating yet subtle time changes that are integrated within the various tracks being created by the wonderfully imaginative guitar, exceptionally powerfully creative drumming, and tuneful bass throughout together with additional keyboard contributions. And then atop of the perfectly organised instrumental aspects the flawlessly conveyed vocal contributions from their newly recruited female vocalist. Certainly the final piece of the musical jigsaw, her outstanding vocal control and tuneful intonation delivered with much style and panache.  Lost Tribes of the Moon are indeed a very talented quartet working perfectly together in true harmonic alignment and, in the process of doing so, creating an album full of interest, excitement and cinematic delight.

Lost Tribes of The Moon hail from their base in Milwaukee, WI, comprising
Jon Liedtke -Guitars
Jeremiah Messner Drums
Julie Brandenburg Vocals
Chris Ortiz –Bass

PLUS Guest Musicians