NEW AGE RENEGADE

How many times have you heard bands that are supposed to be the next Led Zeppelin or the next Rush or the next Primus? Is it possible that we only had to look to the North country to find them? It could very well be with the band "Moon Tan" based out of Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada.

This band has received an enthusiastic following among local and country-wide tours in their home country, but have somehow managed to fly under the radar in the US and everywhere else. This trio plays a legitimate heavy prog rock based on the music of their influences, three of which are mentioned above. But not only that, they lay in a layer of complexity similar to The Mars Volta at times and throw in a heaping helping of funkified progressive sound, heavy on the bass. This music is solid and infectious, and their only album "New Age Renegade", released in 2015 is one that lovers of classic rock with a new twist are going to want to listen to and then return to again and again.

This excellent album has only 6 tracks and is slightly over 30 minutes long, but it packs a wallop. Right off the bat with the track "Alive", you will hear the influences mentioned earlier, and those that are searching for the next Led Zeppelin and think they have found it in bands like "Greta Van Fleet" need to also give this album a whirl. Not only that, but this first track gives Adrian Dyer, bass player and lead vocalist, a chance to show off with a range and complexity not too distant from The Mars Volta. The following two tracks "New Age Renegade" will prove the LZ/Rush/Primus mash-up sound and "Let Your Body Fly Away" will immediately remind you of LZ's "Song Remains the Same" but with the added zing of that funky heaviness that you crave.

You will continue to be satisfied by the other tracks on the album, however, the progressive side of the band really stands out on the excellent album closer "Squid Race", a dynamic study of moods and styles that will make you cry out for more. Unfortunately, that is the biggest drawback of the album is that it is too short. And the only other offerings the band has are two more great EPs which are even shorter. Showing this band some encouragement could hopefully get them to release more material, because, chances are, if you a lover of any of the band's influences, then you will want more. Give them a listen. The music is fairly accessible and very easy to fall in love with. It's fun and engaging, just like the band's shows where the musicians even use makeup to portray the phases of the moon. Just one more thing to make them memorable. Take a listen and have some fun!