While many rappers out there rely on appearance or gimmicks, the Moon Blazers are very sincere and do not pretend to be people they are not. With Candid, this is made all the more obvious, as they present an album that “follows the fluidity of conversation” and “acts like a bridge to [their] thoughts and feelings towards life.” Candid, as they underline is “honest sincere expression” and this is clearly what you will find with their latest album. Whether it is with the themes they touch upon or the straightforward, sometimes blunt way they express their thoughts and feelings, the three MCs stay true to themselves and even give you some insight into their creative process, making you part of the conversation and providing you with some food for thought. To give those candid lyrics an appropriate sonic canvas, the Moon Blazers enrolled producer Katrah-Quey, who created an incredibly smooth, mellow vibe and gave the album a very meditative and intimate dimension. The overall production reinforces the messages spread by the MCs and makes this journey into the world of the Moon Blazers even more pleasant.

Continue Reading After The Jump… 

Moon Blazers

The whole structure of the album not only allows it to stand out from other recent releases, but really turns it into a conversation between Suo, Dyno, Pensive and their listeners. The MCs invite us into their artistic world and give us the key to open their minds, to discover their thought and creative process. This is most obvious with the title track, where they include some of their arguments about the track, adding that “You can get no more candid than that”. At the end of the track, they also share some extremely interesting and insightful thoughts about modern ways of communication, which are actually not about communicating at all, not in the most physical and intellectual sense of the word. On this track, as is the case with many others on the album, there is a dreamy, almost ethereal dimension, accompanied with heavy, head-nodding drums and percussions, which are reminiscent of late summer nights spent chilling, listening to some music and pondering over life with friends. This is actually how I could describe and visualise the whole album.

[wpaudio url=”http://wordisbond.data.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/07-Candid.m4a” text=”Moon Blazers – Candid” dl=”0″]

Another topic the Moon Blazers touch upon is love, with different shades of the spectrum, once again being honest and bringing some balance. First, the beautiful Shine is a very good love song over a smooth production and delicate piano, where the MCs spread some positive vibrations and provide us with feel-good music. This is the kind of track that can make you feel even more smitten with your special someone or (re)discover this wonderful sensation of happiness. On the other hand, Used to be is all about reminiscing over the past and expressing a desire to go back to a time were things were different and better. There is a nostalgic element, perfectly rendered with the instrumental and I guess I’m not the only one who can relate to that situation where you feel “under-appreciated, waiting for reciprocation.” These two songs are another great example of what candid means, as the lyrics are clearly heartfelt and express different types of emotions, from the elation and infatuation phase to the loneliness and confusion that come with the end of a relationship. Both songs are beautiful and most people will probably be touched by them, as they describe experiences and feelings that are universal.

[wpaudio url=”http://wordisbond.data.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/09-Used-To-Be.m4a” text=”Moon Blazers – Used To Be” dl=”0″]

Many tracks on Candid are all about inspiration and chilling at the same time, encouraging people to keep on pushing to achieve their goals and dreams but at the same time never forget to have fun and enjoy the ride. As the Moon Blazers explain, we tend to create our own Complications, not realising that things could be much easier and we should make the most of what we have. Once again, the production is spotless as Katrah-Quey created a chilled and soothing atmosphere with a slightly dark and aerial dimension. On a very nice homage to Slum Village and their Get This Money, the head-nodding HeyHeyHey, the three MCs display motivating lyrics about making it in this life and reaching your objectives. The perfect So Slow (the night), which stands at the top of my favourites list, captures the essence of this particular moment with great precision, thanks to a wonderful instrumental where the enchanting violins and the appeasing ambience give you an impression of peace. Finally, Suo, Dyno and Pensive invite you to Sit Back Relax “listen to some hip-hop” with an ode to the culture were they reminisce over they childhood and discovery of the movement, remembering the artists and groups they were into, as well as the shows that have now disappeared. The gorgeous, warm piano and mesmerising flute create a relaxing soundtrack that shouldn’t leave you unmoved.

[wpaudio url=”http://wordisbond.data.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/04-Complications.mp3″ text=”Moon Blazers – Complications” dl=”0″]

[wpaudio url=”http://wordisbond.data.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/10-So-Slow-the-night.mp3″ text=”Moon Blazers – So Slow (the night)” dl=”0″]

Candid is a wonderful piece of musical balm for you heart and soul as well as a very honest open letter where the Moon Blazers share their innermost thoughts and feelings while dropping some inspiring gems but also encouraging you to enjoy life. The album is a most welcome breath of fresh air that will help you reminisce over precious moments in your past and help you balance the positive and negative aspects of your life. It is a very personal and unique testimony from the MCs and producer but it appeals to a wide range of people as it touches upon universal experiences and emotions. This is what music and art are all about.

GET CANDID ON ITUNES (US) / BANDCAMP

CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW WITH MOON BLAZERS

[easyreview title=”Word Is Bond Rating” cat1title=”Lyrics” cat1detail=”NICE WORDPLAY, HEARTFELT AND INSPIRING LYRICS” cat1rating=”4″ cat2title=”Production” cat2detail=”SPOTLESS PRODUCTION BY KATRAH-QUEY WHO PROVIDES A PERFECT SOUNDTRACK AND CREATES A MELLOW, INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE” cat2rating=”5″ cat3title=”Originality” cat3detail=”INNOVATIVE AND ORIGINAL APPROACH WITH THE CONVERSATIONAL STRUCTURE AND INSIGHT INTO THEIR CREATIVE PROCESS” cat3rating=”4.5″ cat4title=”Replayability” cat4detail=”THE TRACKS JUST FLOW AND HAVE AN ADDICTIVE ELEMENT THAT WILL MAKE IT QUITE EASY TO HIT THE REPLY BUTTON” cat4rating=”4″ summary=”A BEAUTIFUL ALBUM WITH A MEDITATIVE ELEMENT THAT WILL HELP YOU CHILL AND REFLECT ON LIFE”]

Previous posts on Moon Blazers

Moon Blazers: Twitter • Facebook • Bandcamp

Carminelitta