Review by Shannon Shumaker
Mojave Nomads are truly one of a kind, and their new EP, Phases just goes to show that they’ve got quite a few tricks up their sleeves. The Utah pop-rock band’s timeless sound, complete with bright synth, groovy bass and incredibly unique vocal work is fully explored on this six song release. Although brief, Phases feels very full, with each song showcasing a different side of the band and showing quite a bit of promise for the future.
The great thing about Mojave Nomads’ sounds is how timeless and accessible it is – it feels as if they just walked out of the early 2000’s dance-rock scene, but feels right at home in the indie-rock movement happening in 2018. Mojave Nomads break the mold time and time again throughout this release, both with their dynamic sound and singer Tyler Harris’ incredibly unique vocal work. It doesn’t sound like anything anyone else is doing right now, and that’s what makes it so strong.
“GIRL” is an attention-grabbing opener, but easily one of the strongest songs on the EP is “Creature Double Feature,” which makes you want to dance but still has a bit of a haunting edge to it. These poppy cuts are followed by the dreamy and nearly psychedelic “Talk Of The Town,” which takes things down a notch before the massive “Morning Glory,” which starts relatively simple but keeps growing and growing into a stunning anthem. Unpredictable, Phases ends in a way that feels entirely different from the opening song. While “GIRL” and “Creature Double Feature” are energetic and upbeat, “Heavy” is a bit slower, offering a perfect ending that really showcases the band’s diversity. Peppered throughout all of these songs is a story about change, growth and finding yourself in lines like, “I’ll never be the man you want me to be,” which suits these unconventional songs perfectly.
From catchy pop tracks to sensual almost-ballads to massive indie-rock anthems, Phases is the perfect taste test for those who are just discovering Mojave Nomads and a promise that this won’t be the last you’ll hear from them. In a scene that threatens to become stagnant and boring, Mojave Nomads have emerged with a game-changing EP that’ll surely continue to launch their career forward.
LISTEN TO: “Creature Double Feature”
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