Show Spotlight: Moon Hooch @ Jammin’ Java (Wed. April 8)
–Written by Kevin Madert
It’s no secret we’re pretty big fans of Moon Hooch. The saxy trio of McGowen, Wilbur and Muschler utilize little more than a pair of saxaphones and a drum kit to work crowds across the globe into a primal frenzy, and their ceaseless work ethic has enamored them to a dedicated, ever-widening fanbase.
Moon Hooch performing on NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concert series
Frequencies of 2014: Bass/Beats
–Words and list by Kevin Madert
End of year “best-of” lists are a funny thing. First off, they’re entirely subjective – unless you rank based upon sales, which we all know is often the least relevant factor when considering a work’s merits. Second, they’re often far too ambitious and broad in scope. “The 50 Best Songs of The Year” looks good on the top of Rolling Stone’s website, but what the fuck does that actually mean? The editors and content compilers didn’t listen to every single release from January 1 to December 31, and even if they had there’s no way they could sort through the sheer volume of material and pick the definitive top 50. (Side note: Rolling Stone’s #2 song of the year was “Turn Down For What,” so their grasp on the definition of the word “best” is questionable.)
In my mind, a “best-of” list should mutually benefit the writer and the reader. Rather than futilely attempt to decide which songs or albums or artists were the indisputable winners, these lists should be cross-sections of the year in their respective musical spheres. I’m not here to be the pompous judge over some imagined contest that you signed yourself into appearing in solely by releasing music in the last calendar year. I’m just here – as always – to share the music I enjoyed too much to not talk about with anyone who’d like to hear it.
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On “This Is Cave Music,” Moon Hooch Tighten Up Without Turning Down (Album Review)
Written by Kevin Madert
Before I bought Moon Hooch’s self-titled debut album, I didn’t know the true meaning of the phrase “replay value.” From late-night drives to early morning runs, parties to study sessions and everything in between, Moon Hooch became my go-to soundtrack for basically everything. It’s for this reason the prospect of a new Moon Hooch LP stirred within me equally feelings of excitement and nervousness. My mental bar for a follow-up full-length was set to an unfair height, and a part of me fretted the trio would let me down by default.
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Frequency Of The Week No. 1: Moon Hooch
–Written by Kevin Madert
This is the first in a recurring series we’re calling the “Frequency of the Week.” We’ll be spotlighting up-and-coming artists you should be keeping a close eye – ear? – on. Got a group you think fits this description? Drop us a line at contact@thealternatefrequency.com and we’ll be sure to give it a listen.
Two saxophones. One drummer. That’s it. The Moon Hooch experience isn’t one anyone could imitate. It’s not a genre, it’s not a style, it’s not a sound; it’s a state of being. They call it Cave Music – “It’s like house, but it’s more wild, more jagged, more free, more natural to live in” – and it’s not something that can be wholly understood until you’re immersed in it.
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