Innocents

Long considered a pioneer upon the progression of electronic dance music and ambient rock, evergreen musician Moby has returned with Innocents, his 11th studio album.

With characteristic lyrical precision underpinned by renewed creative freedom, the album explores the concept of artificial perfection, and embraces both human vulnerability and the need for physical connection through an assortment of soothing beats and verdant textures.

Featuring guest appearances from Cold Specks, Damian Jurado, Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips), Skylar Grey, Inyang Bassey, and Mark Lanegan, the album is Moby’s most collaborative to date, and is a curious collection that sits comfortably alongside recent releases Wait For Me and Destroyed.

Although Moby is well-accustomed to stylish instrumentals, opening effort “Everything That Rises” is a marvellously novel turntable composition of rhythmic vibe and patient strings, while “A Case For Shame” is a glorious follow-up further strengthened by the deep and soulful vocals of Cold Specks.

Renowned for an ongoing ability to retrofit long-forgotten and antiquated styles, Moby successfully draws on low-fi tones as the album reverts to an increasingly more poignant template.

Featuring Skylar Grey, “The Last Day” is a contemplative ballad reinforced by the polished production of Mark ‘Spike’ Stent (Björk, Duran Duran), while gleaming melodies “A Long Time” and “Tell Me” (feat. Cold Specks) employ ingenious electronic atmospheres to ensure compositional success.

While much of Moby’s early triumph undeniably contributed to a lessening of current fanfare,  Innocents is a timely reminder of the musical ingenuity and excellence that accompanies a Moby release.

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