Melbourne based six-piece El Moth have been predominantly a roots/reggae act playing covers and doing the rounds of the smaller scale festivals and underground party scene. The band has now ventured into the world of original recordings.
The debut EP Life’s A Ride unfortunately misses the mark in terms of being able to offer something fresh to the genre. The drums are full of one drop, steppers and rockers patterns. There are upstrokes aplenty from the guitars and a heavy emphasis on the ones-and-threes throughout. Although reggae is built upon these principals, it’s a style that has been done to death.
There is an overriding theme of frustration with the daily grind throughout with ‘Cold Faces’ and ‘Routine Life’ expressing this sentiment, but it feels as though it’s missing a genuine conviction.
In saying that, the standout “Everyday Is A Weekend” is a fun jaunt, boasting relatable lyrics for the stay-awake-till-sunrise-party-people. It’s a song that strays from the usual scales and modes. The horn section is energetic, the bass walks with confidence, and the rhythm section complements the vocals in an uplifting manner.
As far as the production goes, the vocals could be brought up front for more impact, or at least some BVs to fill the spaces where that live sound is missing. The instrumentation, at times, feels like it needs more diversity in the mixing and the solos are played too safely by staying within predictable movements where there could have been room to explore contrast.
As a debut release, it seems as El Moth are still trying to find their feet as recording artists, but with determination and perhaps a more adventurous direction, they might just be able raise to the heights of King Tide or Blue King Brown.
Listen to ‘Cold Faces’ from Life’s A Ride here:
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