The Moles - Untune the Sky (CD)

All Music Guide

The difference between a fascinating work of originality and a boring piece of product often amounts to little more than a few unexpected twists, odd juxtapositions, and unfinished edges that keep a band from sounding stagnant and predictable. This is particularly true of the Moles, who bent their Chills-like indie pop into a weird enough shape to give it an almost lysergic-punk feel. The group, which essentially became a Richard Davies solo project by its second full-length album, didn't quite reinvent pop music; however, Davies and his cohorts did find a satisfying balance between off-kilter experimentation and the occasional catchy tune. It's unfortunate that this music didn't get more attention in the early 1990s, but people have another chance to hear it thanks to Flydaddy's reissue of the group's debut album, Untune the Sky. This remastered and resequenced version of the album offers rare photos, lyrics, and cryptic liner notes by Davies; it also features all the songs from both ...the CD and LP versions of the album, as well as all four tracks from the double-sided 7" What's the New Mary Jane? EP ("What's the New Mary Jane?," "Going Down," "Saint Jack," and "Let's Hook Up and Get Some"). If you're looking for indie pop that's a little off the beaten path and don't mind if the mood shifts from song to song, this album is definitely worth your attention. - Todd Kristel, All Music Guide Read more Less