Moss – Never Be Scared/Don’t Be A Hero (Excelsior Records)
Methinks Moss a rather odd name for a band. I mean, what exactly does it conjure up - the opposite of rolling stones, perhaps? The convoluted album title does not bode well, either. For what might be in store for you when you place this little package in the CD player (or that somewhat bigger platter on your turntable). But, as the title states so clearly, fear not. This Amsterdam four piece open up with a superb trio of pure pop songs that ensures your listening pleasure shall be exactly that – a pleasure, a sheer and total delight – and that you will most certainly have to listen to the whole 44 minutes in one magnificent rock session. Oh yes indeed - we like the chemistry!

They’re definitely out to grab your attention, turn your head around, and prevent you from becoming just plain Mr. or Mrs. Ordinary. So it’s no surprise that they have the rock spirit in spades, with the rock ‘n roll spores just leeching out of their pores and heading your way, where you breath in the contagion and become a cloned fan without knowing that your infection will probably be lifelong… if you’re very lucky.

If you are not completely in their thrall by “Apparatos” you are doomed to become a domestic drudge rather than a leader of the pack, and will have to wait a lifetime for the lifeline of an anecdote that you share with some other old drudges (who have NO idea what you are banging on about, ‘cos they liked Lily Allen, and you never quite got this band anyway!).

Only the initiated will know that any band that name checks Bettie Serveert (as Moss do in their ‘And thanks to’ section of the card sleeve) could be right up there with the absolute greats of rock music. (If you do not know this great Dutch band from the 90’s, by the way, you have missed something quite special – so go find them too). Moss appear to have been inspired by them but I don’t catch any direct connection when it comes to their sound. The same goes for the Brian Jonestown Massacre (who also get a namecheck for inspiration), although all three bands celebrate intensity of sound, and a dark edge to their work.

For myself, I am very pleased to have discovered another superb outfit from the magical musical kingdom of the Netherlands, which doubles my delight, and I can’t wait to hear more from these modern day Dutch disc-makers. Bring it on, fellers, just bring it on!
www.myspace.com/moss123
Kev A.

MOSS - NEVER BE SCARED/DON'T BE A HERO

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