Moiii

Moiii is a study in opposing forces. Born sometime in 2018, and parented by Chicagoan Scott Shellhamer and Austenite Jason Butler, “dark-light, pink-black, soft-hard, sunny-stormy…” are all descriptors that would apply to their self-titled debut album. Shellhamer (most noted for his work in American Heritage, Ghosts & Vodka) and Butler (under his Thee Conductor moniker includes Bonnie Prince Billy, Glenn Kotche) come from opposite musical worlds but have somehow created an inspired body of work complimenting each others strengths in their respective writing approaches.

They recruited Thor (Swans) and Surachai in the studio to round out the impressive soundscape. Inspired by Swans, Caspar Brotzmann, and Einstürzende Neubauten, this is a record that's difficult to classify. Ultimately it's heavy and dark, manipulated by an industrial hand, complemented by kids making music with toys. It's free and independent-minded, tough and gritty, loud and delicate.

Truly an original sound, and a completely original record. Enough to resurrect the long mothballed Someoddpilot Records for a worldwide digital and limited 12″ vinyl release. Through intuitive experimentation they've organically found something new, snapping disparate ideas into place like an old puzzle you've never seen before, but one you instantly recognize. That is the feeling of what the best new music does. It's like art sprung from the void between musical categories. Nasty guitar soundscapes juxtaposed with light finger pick'n mixed with dark-ambient electronics shape this album into a catchy and dirty sailboat ride into a storm of uplifting particulates.