Though hailing from Europe, Moes Anthill compare their sound to some of America’s biggest indie successes such as Eels, Big Thief, Elliot Smith and (my personal favourite) Bright Eyes. Could they be the next breakout act to join the list?

By Graeme Smith

Led by the vocals and guitars of Mario Moe Schelbert, Moes Anthill is a Swiss folk band consisting of Flurin Lanfranconi on bass, Sebastian Schwartz on keys, synth and acoustic guitar, and Clemens Kuratle on drums. They’ve hit my radar for the first time thanks to their latest album, Easy Win.

The album opens on a delicate and reflective note with the stripped-back intro to Hall of Mirrors Dance. The band’s poetic lyrics are on full display, given the space to grow and linger, before a finger-picked and ghostly arrangement kicks in. There’s an understated feel to it that draws you in. Things then get lush and cinematic at the track’s climax.

From there we get the dark Americana of Turtle, the soulful surrealness of Fake Nose & Glasses and Parsifal. Great Storytellers proves a highlight thanks to its soaring, memorable chorus and lively folk pop melody.

The album’s second half gives us the driving and dynamic Little Artist and the cautionary Juvenile. Title track Easy Win is richly philosophical with a backdrop of jangly guitar and gentle piano. Galaxy full of Suns closes the record with its most emotional moment. Gradually unfolding over six and a half minutes, it devastates and uplifts in equal measure.

It’s the captivating and relatable poetry of the lyrics in Moes Anthill’s new album that will really stick with you. They are beautifully delivered through soulful vocals and folk rock arrangements that bring pleasant surprise after pleasant surprise. It’s really quite beautiful.

Easy Win is out now and you can give it a listen below.