NIGHT DUST

Hey, this is another surprise which recently reached me from Finland. MOONWAGON formed in 2008, however, concerning previous years everybody on his own is looking back to some kind of collaboration with diverse music projects. They have thrown this self-produced album across the progressive rock stage last year ... and, no wonder, are signed by a label in the meanwhile. The follower is in the making already ... but let's see what the 'Night Dust' is all about.

'Zero, we have ignition!' ... a quite familiar countdown leads to the band's kick-off and then you'll come upon groovy songs basically, decorated with Ami Hassinen's playful keyboard input plus Joni Tiala's psychedelic and spacey guitar work. Great synergy all the way through and I hope that they are able to transport this to the stage - hence I would love to see them performing their music live one day.

Hoodoo Horizon convinces with alternating tempos which represent either more heavy or rather spheric moments. The following Highway To The Orange Desert is ideally suitable for your next progressive rock party ... or maybe designated to move the crowd during a gig, far away from a simple implementation though. Oceans Away is nicely evolving - at some point they switch into a wonderful spacey mood, partially Pink Floyd reminiscent, tension-filled, the album's greatest aspect in my opinion - this song is a highlight definitely. Some heavier impressions are even reminding of Atomic Rooster due to the organ.

A short melancholic ballad is implemented, on the dynamic Thunderdrift they let it rrrrrrrock again, not missing a mellow interlude anyway. The closing extended track Sundown Mountain finally shines with great variety, something epic. It all starts with an ambient flow for some minutes - cosmic explorations dominate, hypnotic mantra-like vocals appear right in the middle, partially there is dramatic behaviour where they make it big, bassist Janne and drummer Jani come to the point here really.

Congrats, mission accomplished! 'Night Dust' is a bit retro outfitted in the vein of ... yeah I would name Astra and Hypnos 69 at the very front, but Hidria Spacefolk should definitely be mentioned when it comes to some sort of comparison. So this is not something revolutionary new in style, Ami and Joni are complementary though in a special unique manner. All in all I sense a positive, optimistic vibe. With other words: MOONWAGON are on a promising way, no doubt, they carry it out with a fresh and confident attitude. Enjoy it!