The nights are getting lighter as the sun begins to make more of an appearance in the mundane UK sky. This requires an optimistic soundtrack; which Moon Duo have promptly responded with in the form of the second part of their doubled-edged sonic assault of 2017. Whilst Volume 1 of Occult Architecture proved to be the perfect recipe for the dreary winter and autumn months, this second part signifies a far friendlier listening experience. Volume 1 characterised itself as the Yin (darkness, night, earth), whereas Volume 2 represents the lighter forces at play (the Yang).

Meaning all things magic and supernatural; the root of the word occult is that which is hidden, concealed, beyond the limits of our minds. It seems then, that the Portland natives have convolutedly woven a two-part album tied to the invisible structures found in the cycle of the four seasons, with a particular emphasis placed on how dark manifests into light. If Volume 1 was the stay at home, lock himself away teenager, then Volume 2 is the fresher faced older sibling encouraging his younger brother to leave the confides of his bedroom.

Sonically the new LP represente a structural evolution for the band, as guitarist Ripley Johnson and keyboardist Sanae Yamada invite new textures into their sound. With less solidified riffs or instantaneous hooks to wrap your ears around, Volume 2 is more of an immersive experience which takes a few listens to get used to. Recorded in Oregon, the album is claimed to reflect the hidden energies of the US state’s nature and the five songs could easily be a soundtrack to a wildlife documentary. “We’re releasing them separately to allow them their own space, and to ensure clarity of vision. To that end we also mixed Vol. 2 separately, in the height of the Portland summer, focusing on its sonic qualities of lightness, air, and sun. Listeners can ultimately use the two volumes individually or together, depending on circumstance or the desired effect,” explained Yamada.

Moon Duo have always adhered to an ‘always different, always the same’ ethos, allowing their tracks to seamlessly blend into one another, with the percussionist rarely leaving his pulsating motorik framework; giving Johnson the freedom to drop unassuming, yet scintillating guitar solos and Yamada the opportunity to elongate her woozy synth noises. This is exemplified in ‘New Dawn’- in which a krautrock space jam breaks out of an inaudible cacophony of synthetics noises, before the wailing, beat-driven exploration of ‘Mirror’s
Edge’ glides along at an unassuming pace.

Album highlight ‘Sevens’ then follows and carries an elegant groove that compliments Yamada’s catchy keyboard line. Today’s modern psychedelic landscape is a convoluted one, but Moon Duo are one of the few bands in existence with the ability to portray their brand in a self-effacing manner and ‘Sevens’ illustrates this, as does ‘Lost in Light’ with its joyful vibe managing to create an optimistic ambience with a celestial keyboard soundscape. ‘The Crystal World’ then closes proceedings in elongated fashion with an absorbing vocal-free ten minutes of engrossing sound waves.

If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer's day. Listening to Occult Architecture as a fully formed beast offers this concept in a rare transportative experience.
Paul Hill

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