Delving retrospectively into one’s previous and the way it shapes them at present, Reminiscence Shapes is a consuming new album from Moth Traps. An suave pop disposition takes maintain, immersing throughout varied realms — from piano-fronted balladry to atmospheric synth jaunts and string-laden magnificence. The solo venture of Robyn McIntosh, who was additionally lead vocalist in Brighton band The Happiness, impresses together with his third album; its thematic fixations on reminiscence and dying sharply complement melodic productions with eclectic tonal pursuits.
Opening observe “The Gown Rehearsal” wastes no time in establishing a charming soundscape. Vibrant piano trickling and wordless vocal intrigue assemble superbly, then shifting right into a grimier bass-fronted composure because the vocals construct right into a “that is the gown rehearsal,” declaration. A wide range of profitable sonic elements, just like the squeaking footstep-like rhythms within the back-end, eat alongside the jangling guitars and effervescent piano gliding. The quivering, fierce vocals weave in seamlessly, discovering an enveloping center floor between twinkling atmospheric attraction and ardent art-pop immediacy.
“The Fortune Teller” follows with an invigorating admission: “They stated that I might die younger!” The expressive chorus strikes right into a glistening contemplation thereafter, acknowledging retrospection in conveying others’ previous doubts, then rebutting with an affirmation of being fairly alive. String-laden majesty leads a stirring bridge on the mid-point, melding cohesively into pit-pattering percussive heaviness. Spacey synths linger as vocals seem once more, furthering the dynamic tonal vary inside — touching upon chamber-pop lushness and digital vigor alike.
Reminiscence Shapes continues to enamor properly previous this sturdy commencing one-two punch. “How We Drove” charms with its theatrical vocal output and playful keys, sounding like an exquisite cross between The Remedy, Of Montreal, and The Russian Futurists. Exuberant vocals and clanging piano transfer grippingly into buzzing synth-forward haunts, pulsating with pleasing unease; the mix of piano-led theatrics and darkish synth foreboding can be exemplary of Moth Traps’ eclectic attain, in each emotional and atmospheric ferocity.
One other standout, “Pores and skin Envy” asks “what drives the parasite?” as instrumentation shifts between solemn piano touches and bouncy synth radiance. A title-referencing sequence is particularly infectious within the second half. “I want to inhabit your physique,” the vocals beckon, reducing amidst illuminated synths; potential previous recollections of infatuation are emitted with suave precision. Elsewhere, “My TV Ladies” totally embraces a minimalist piano-ballad feeling for its majority, then pushing right into a ultimate minute that totally dazzles in its livid string preparations; an excitable, emotional chamber-pop enthrallment takes agency maintain into this riveting observe’s satiating conclusion, and alongside “Gaslight” actually impresses in its infusions of strings.
Concluding the album with an impassioned enjoyment, “The Morbs” continues the sense of craving — “I wanna maintain your hand only one extra time,” — as layers of wordless vocal serenity, twangy guitars, and angular synth infusions kind one other tonally dynamic success. Reminiscence Shapes is a constantly memorable exhibiting from Moth Traps, immersing in each its melodic vary and emotively retrospective aptitude.