Release date: 21/02/2011.Label: Self released.
Moksha. What does it mean? Well in Sanskrit it translates into “release”, “to let loose” or to “let go” but across the spread of religions in Asia – it can mean “rebirth”, “reincarnation” or “self realization” (don’t say we don’t educate you here at Pure Rawk). However this band, this Moksha, takes every definiton and have translated the words into their own music.
I heard about Moksha through the Pure Rawk Twitter account (the wonders of social media). Someone from Brazil said we should check out this three-piece band’s ‘f*cked up’ video because it was up our street. So I did and it was the first track of this EP – “Take This Smile”. First off, this track has got an addictive rhythm throughout (win). Secondly, the chorus is one of those shouting anthem ones (win). Thirdly, the dark brooding tones and break beats just create a great atmosphere throughout (win). Their vocalist, Thin holds the good chorus section but his voice is very unnerving in places and gives a very unsettling edge to songs – pretty spine tingling stuff.
Fuzzy guitars dominate “Remedy” intertwined with female vocals. Crunchy riffs and almost Murderdolls-esque vocals hit hard in “Triumph Of The Will”. “White Comet” is the dance-track of the EP with a steady beat and some addictive synths chucked in for good measure.
If you’re a seasoned veteran of Pure Rawk scribbles, you’ll have heard of Plastic Toys – they’re similar to Moksha places. If you like them, Moksha are likely to tick your rock boxes. Apart from that, they take the riotous noise created by grunge and electro fiends from past years and give it a brooding yet anthemic revamp.
They’re dark, skuzzy (and also a pinch glam in places) – they’re a great band and I’d be first in the queue to see them live. I’ve got this EP on repeat. I dare you to grab a copy of this and not do the same.
