By Paul Bowers
It’s like eating a Moon Pie and washing it down with some Perrier. Like going mudding in a Cadillac. Like coon hunting at a fancy resort. That’s what it’s like to listen to Moonshine Still.
Hailing from Macon, Georgia, Moonshine Still combines southern style with big-city sophistication. Since the late ‘90’s, this band has been building a fan base with their unique sound.
The musical genres represented on “[R]evolution,” the band’s latest album, are diverse enough to appeal to a broad audience. The musicians’ influences range from down-home jam bands such as Leftover Salmon to ‘80’s metal groups such as Slayer. Their songs alternate between easygoing and pugilistic with smooth, southern grace.
So make no mistake, this is not your average deep-fried redneck ensemble. Moonshine Still isn’t into banjos and washboards, and the group has obvious potential with young and old crowds alike. From the softly plinking piano of “Test Baboon Part 1” to the distorted guitars of “Ghoulson’s Ghost,” this album has something for everyone.
Highlights include the song “Stackin’ Stones,” with its gospel choir-like vocals, wailing synthesizer sounds and hard-hitting guitars. Building from simple humming to a masterfully orchestrated climax, its soulful backwoods feeling is never overshadowed by its complex instrumental arrangement.
The aforementioned “Test Baboon Part 1” is a dreamlike, rambling song about the joys of childhood and the harsh realities of adult life. Against an elegant piano backdrop, the lead singer reflects, “When I was six, / The world seemed make-believe,” then comments, “But now / Is the realest / Of real.”
“This Fall” is a showcase of the band’s versatility, with a funky guitar rhythm and a subtle pipe organ accompaniment that breaks out into a solo. The lyrics are less than profound, including, “I’m on my way; beyond the earth I fly / Shining like a rainbow in the sky.” But the beautifully blended instrumental portion makes up for it.
On the more serious side, “Ghoulson’s Ghost” begins with a simple, palm-muted electric guitar riff and escalates into something truly haunting as the drums and piano kick in. Eerie lyrics darken the mood further, with the lead singer singing, “The touch of a frozen, dying hand / Markings on my skin just like a brand.” After a piercing synthesizer bit, the guitarists cut loose with ringing power chords and a soaring solo. The end result is a spine-tingling tune that sticks in your head for days.
At times the band’s hippie roots show, as in the song “Weapons or Words.” It’s all about peace and love, exuding an overall aura of optimism. But even with its protest rally lyrics, the song doesn’t lose its rock ‘n’ roll edge.
Musical diversity is what Moonshine Still is all about. Their style is decidedly undecided, allowing them to mix and match according to each song’s mood. Through all fifteen tracks, “[R]evolution” is a brilliant amalgamation of varying techniques and genres.
So whether you’re a Rock purist, a Bluegrass enthusiast, or just a lover of great music, check out Moonshine Still’s new CD. It’s fresh, it’s original, and it’s downright groovy.