Mood Organ are a Leeds-based experimental rock group who first caught my attention around this time last year with their breath of fresh air EP Slightseeing. Now they’ve released its follow-up Iconic Bench Scenes and I was keen to find out if it held a similar kind of magic. Here’s my track by track rundown.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Ben Massey (@hidethepark)
The EP opens with No Transaction, a noodling riff gives way to some monster rock, combining big drums and dirty electric guitar. Once it hits its groove, Ev Caulfield’s vocals come in, just as unique and exciting as I remember. It all builds to a complex, psychedelic finish. It’s a strong start.
Nineteen comes next, a track written by guitar and keyboardist Thom Sweeney. It takes things is a slightly acoustic direction, ramping up the intimacy and vulnerability. Slide guitar lends a touch of atmosphere, and adds a twist to the traditional indie rock sound. In true Mood Organ style, they save enough time for a late-track twist ending.
Track three is Your Acolyte. Distorted guitar sets the early pace, bringing a sense of doom metal to proceedings, proving once again just how eclectic Mood Organ’s sound can be. ’80s Goth elements swirl with emo theatrics, creating a wall of rock noise. Mood Organ have pulled on some many influences and made something that feels fresh and uniquely theirs. It’s definitely an EP highlight.
Suffocation brings things back to a more indie rock territory and it feels as if Mood Organ’s sound is starting to coalesce into this space. Jangly guitar and gentle drums provide a beautiful backdrop for the expressive vocals and their poetic, visual tale. A soulful, bluesy guitar solo proves to be an unexpected highlight. Fans of the The Divine Comedy will appreciate this one.
The EP is wrapped up by A Matter of Perspective. A slow, keys-led ballad, it shows a side of the band we’ve not experienced yet. The distinctive psychedelic elements are still there, though, ramped up to such a level that the track wouldn’t be out of place being released in the ’60s. In fact, there really is something of the timeless about it.
Iconic Bench Scenes cements in my mind just how special Mood Organ are. They’ve captured something really relatable yet unique with their sound, and clearly know how to channel their influences and abilities. The band are playing at Nightrain in Bradford on 18 August and Lending Room in Leeds on 19 August to help launch the EP. Definitely get down to one of the shows – it could be a “I was there” moment.
Iconic Bench Scenes will be released on 19 August 2022.