by Kris Handel (@khandel84)
Moontype are a Chicago based trio fronted by Margaret McCarthy, who had released a couple of EPs of ambient/found sound and sparse bass driven songs before this full band debut of forthright emotion and powerful songwriting. Bodies of Water introduces a band that have a well-crafted vision of what they want to achieve and the ability to execute that vision almost immaculately. McCarthy’s brand of no holds barred songwriting is striking and beautiful on so many levels that it’s hard to fully fathom, and the way with words displayed on this record leaves quite an impression. There’s a flow that is mesmerizing and the trio show off their adept takes on alt-country and melodic noise pop with a lingering familiarity that you can’t fully put your finger on.
“Your Mom” has a bit of a jazzy math rock jumpiness to it driven by the shuffling kit-work of Emerson Hunton and Ben Cruz’s guitar shards that lay the foundation for McCarthy’s husky and full vocals. The lyrics have a heftiness that is striking and powerful in their delivery which adds another level of intensity while the instrumentation strains and explodes around them. “Lush” is a burst of blood rushing to the head that charges forcefully out of the gates as Cruz’s guitar throws out blasts of spiky chords and riffs that flow and ring effortlessly. McCarthy’s bass bounces in between sturdy drumming while her vocals are perfectly on point as she shows off her range and vocal colorings that roll forth naturally.
“About You” starts off with the heart-on-the sleeve announcement of “Looking at you with my ‘Fuck Me’ eyes/Do you want to get inside of mine/open up a bottle and walk all night…’ detailing the yearning and excitement of a possible new relationship. The earnestness on display here just hits in an extremely relatable way which allows for a greater connection with the audience and creates a warmth that envelopes the song. “3 Weeks” foundation is of a classic but with a twist rolling guitar pattern as McCarthy’s vocals swoop between registers and Hunton’s shuffling and brushed drum work tastefully pushes everything forward. The lyrics take a bit of a stream of consciousness approach full of dreamy emotionality and anxious anticipation for a connection with another person that always remains endearing.
Moontype have produced a confident record that rarely misses the mark on any standard of excellence and for a debut is pretty astonishing. McCarthy’s vocals are enchanting and Hunton and Cruz mesh seamlessly as the trio relentlessly hit transcendent moment after transcendent moment. McCarthy’s songwriting is deeply affecting and personal yet never fails to find a way to connect in the most universal manner possible. Moontype shuffle between country-tinged folk explorations that never fall flat and spunky and barbed punk-pop that is a punch in the face full of direct power and intensity. They lay everything out bare and ask you along on a ride full of rolling emotions and exploration that is frankly impossible to resist.