When a fan of a particular group hears the term "solo project," it often evokes apprehension. It also raises many questions: How will they go about this? Why can't this work be performed with a full ensemble? Is the group experiencing complications? Hermit Thrushes' guitarist Andrew Keller eliminates the negative curiosity with his (oh dear) solo career as Snow Caps. Under the moniker, Keller displays his influence in the group and components that he individually employs.
Moonbreak's introduction "Beauty and the Beauty" illustrates an, as implied, charming scene: an array of fine wines organized along an outdoor table, and the Eiffel Tower is prominently displayed beneath a moonlit sky woven together with twinkling guitar harmonies. Though Keller's heartfelt falsetto melodies on songs like "Roses," "Stretched," and "Moonbroken Heart" are contagious as ever, a sizable portion of Moonbreak's most captivating moments occur on its sparse instrumentals. The trudging chord progression of "Quark" and the hiss-absorbed twang of "Neue" induce contrast within the album, belying the postulation that these moments are merely transitional phases.
Keller's one-man approach to composition ceases to erase ambition from his mind. Rather than flaunting amateurism and mistaking it for charm, many of these passages are meticulously layered; exhaustive, yet endearing. An amiable melody remains at the heart of a song while supplied with a grand yet tractable aggregate of layers-- be it vocal harmonization, imbricate guitars, or makeshift percussion. Though quirky and ostensibly self-recorded, these characteristics aren't the criterion.
Not much separates Moonbreak from Keller's 2008 debut, Baby Bird. If any alterations have occurred, the most noticeable would be the enhanced fidelity and maturing sagacity in songwriting. Though marginally briefer than its predecessor, under a half-hour, Moonbreak acquires a better perception of time management and concision with substantially more contrast, color, and heart amongst its 13 tracks.
[Snow Caps Myspace]
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