Words by Chris Muravez
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninthmoonblack
How does one explain Ninth Moon Black? On the surface they would seem to be your standard post-metal instrumental band, yet beneath this cold description lies the psychedelic undertones of an acid rock craze. Coupled with an uncanny expertise in form, flow and function, NMB has set themselves apart from the rest of the music scene here in Eugene, whilst at the same time being and integral part of it. With this in mind, one does not simply describe NMB. That being said their latest release, Chronophage, is a seemingly endless sonic adventure and it would do the whole album little justice to speak about it track by track. So read my humble esoteric story of my experience with their latest incantation, and take it with a grain of salt.
Following their first full length, Kalyug, NMB’s latest release has raised the bar on what is possible in the minds of these musicians. The album opens up with a warm welcoming, NMB then invites you into their world with smooth hallow notes shrieking through the sky and consistent beat that seems to match your own heart’s rhythms. This strong opener helps to prepare you for an auditory journey through the depths of your imagination.
This leads you down the path of an audio adventure, where hard guitar riffs begin to roughen up your soul and insert a dark and foreboding atmosphere. Yet all the while there remains the ever softening hallow notes that off set the doom, and the heart beating drums remind you that you’re still alive. Just as you feel close to the depths of despair in your soul, NMB then marches you forward to the promise of hope and rejuvenation. The hallow notes then talk to you, as if the psychedelic chords swimming into your brain became an actual voice. This surreal voice, made through combination of sound and imagination, helps you to question your current reality in all it’s forms.
After you’ve been forced to question your meager existence in this world, NMB’s shrieking guitars call you forth like the mythical siren to help lead you away from reality. After what seemed like an eternity, NMB gradually lowers you back down to earth at the end of their album. It was a surreal experience for me, and I lack the proper mentality to tell you every detail about it. Chronophage is one of those rare instances where music speaks volumes above anything I could put into words. So sit down, listen and enjoy Ninth Moon Black’s new CD, you will not be disappointed, I promise.
Somehow this page was left out of the current issue of Exiled In Eugene (because we’re kinda disorganized). We’d like to extend a HUGE apology to Jeff Curry & The Lowmen. Read on:
Run B Anthony’s Dance If You Feel is a thumpy little ep full of reasons to shake it, or just nod that noggin in YR squishy desk-chair. Either way, this little taste of things to come has us eager for more.
Peep that shit: http://runbanthony.bandcamp.com/album/dance-if-you-feel
Darc Feather’s new album is a hearty helping of native pride, rhymes, beats and a smattering of special guests that plays like an “I know everybody” mix tape.
Stream or Buy: http://darcfeather.bandcamp.com/album/thunder-cloud
Do you like Undermind? What about Medium Troy? What if we told you Undermind did an EP with Medium Troy?? What if there were guest spots by Ebb One, KI Design and INS? Yeah, we’re kinda shitting ourselves over how cool this is.
Get it for fah-reeee: http://undermind.bandcamp.com/album/sound-alive-2012
We love Talkative. We talk about Talkative often. We’re talking about them again, just in case you forgot. Their debut record, Strange Luxuries, is still free on bandcamp, as is the follow up, Light Years. If you haven’t downloaded them yet, we’re not sure what your problem is.
Go forth.
Get some: http://talkative.bandcamp.com/
As we get our ducks in a row for the impending Exiled In Eugene podcast, we’d like to clue you in, for those of you not already in the know, about the Alpine Empire podcast.
Ryan Nelson of Alpine Empire Audio, a small local recording studio, is hosting a bi-monthly local music podcast. He, like us, is just getting started, and we’re stoked to see more people contributing to our local scene in such a way. Props, Ryan.
Download episodes here: http://www.alpineempire.com/the-podcast.html
Photos and getting too wasted to get pictures of Nine Dice: Fatty
Science Music!:
Jori & The Push: https://www.facebook.com/JORIandthePUSH?ref=ts
Veggieman’s Bandcamp description reads:”A child takes his first steps in the world of music. While some of it is listenable, and even pleasant, other bits are horrible. It is your job to sift through.”
Though appropriate, it may be more humble than appropriate. Daniel Johnston-esque 4-track pop might be a fairer description. Definitely a good time and worth “sifting”
Download for any price (even free)http://veggiemayne.bandcamp.com/album/lunar-eclipse
Austin Farrell crafts mellow little acoustic tunes that feel like the warmest days of the year even on the coldest days of the year. Check out his “This Is” EP on his bandcamp page to shake the December chill.
http://austinfarrell.bandcamp.com/album/this-is-ep
