Review by Shannon Shumaker
I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time is real. That’s the best way to describe Moose Blood’s debut full-length record. The lyrics on each track on this album are personal and emotional, making even the slowest, softest songs really reach out and hit hard. It’s difficult not to feel like you know and understand Moose Blood, as if you share the personal experiences in each song, and that’s exactly how an amazing album should make you feel.
The opening track on I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time is mellow, melancholy, and most of all, a perfect first song. “Cherry” is a great sort of prelude track and paired with Moose Blood’s trademark emotional lyrics, it’s a song that really hits hard, as soft and slow as it may be. The lyrics on this track, especially “I was young and irresponsible” and “she’s not mine and it fucking kills me” go straight to your chest and the way that the vocals sound alongside the simple guitar riff is beautiful. “Cherry” is a really power opening track and if anything, it proves that Moose Blood aren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves.
After “Cherry” the album picks up a bit into a more fast paced track, “Anyway,” and the first thing that stands out about Moose Blood is how warm their sound is. The timing of this release is impeccable, as I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time is perfect for fall evenings, late night drives, or sitting around a campfire, which brings me to their album cover. I rarely talk about an album’s artwork in regards to the sound of the actual record, but the artwork for I’ll Keep You In Mind From Time To Time is so perfect for setting the mood for the sound of this record that I can’t not at least mention it.
The thing about I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time is that no two songs sound the same. While Moose Blood definitely have found a very unique, mellow sound that is unlike many bands in their genre, this album is definitely not one dimensional, which means that it never gets old or boring. That being said, there are definitely a few songs that shine among the rest, like the melodic third track “I Hope You’re Missing Me,” the emotional “Gum,” and one of my personal favorites, “Boston,” which has a nice little nod to Brand New’s Deja Entendu in the chorus.
I think the thing that’s so great about I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time is how relatable and honest it is. Moose Blood have managed to create an amazing debut that will impact their listeners in a special and emotional way while still managing to write about personal experiences. On top of the wonderful storytelling and lyricism, the overall songwriting and production on this album is absolutely on point. By the time that the final melancholy (and angry) track, “I Hope You’re Miserable” fades out, it’s hard not to feel like you really know the band. It’s hard not to connect with Moose Blood on I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time, and that’s what makes this record so special.
Rating: 5/5
Listen to “Boston”