Over the course of more than 15 years, the rootsy jam band moe. has continually developed and expanded its unique blend of pop hooks and experimental improvisation. Known for an explosive and unpredictable live show, the band maintains an endless touring schedule and an incredibly loyal fan base. Along with singer/songwriter Tim Easton, moe. played the World Cafe Live stage Friday, as part of WXPN's Live Fridays concert series.
Following the release of 2003's Wormwood, moe. began recording its as-yet unfinished follow-up album, expected sometime in the fall of 2006. The band has hinted at perpetuating the approach used for Wormwood by blending a combination of live and studio tracks, a technique used to great effect in the past.
Blending innovative American roots-rock with spare, acoustic alt-country, Easton covers familiar territory without falling back on cliches. Influenced equally by pop icons (The Beatles, et al) and folk legends like John Prine, Easton's unique songwriting approach makes his work both heartbreaking and uplifting.
His newest release, Ammunition, finds Easton in a considerably different place than on 2003's Break Your Mother's Heart. Recorded on the road in six different states, Ammunition strips Easton's signature sound to the bare essentials, with most of the 13 songs featuring little more than his smooth, earthy vocals and delicate acoustic guitar. The lyrics' somber tone serves only to enhance the melancholic beauty of the music -- especially on the gorgeously intimate "Next to You."
Copyright 2006 XPN
