ALBUM REVIEW: The Hillbilly Moon Explosion “Back in Time”
Hard to believe its been five years since The Hillbilly Moon Explosion released their last album, the simply stunning “The Sparky Sessions” in 2019.
Formed back in 1998 and led by Swiss vocalist Emanuela Hutter and English singer/bass player Oliver Baron, they’re joined by guitarist Duncan James and drummer Luke “The Puke” Weyermann. Firmly rooted in rockabilly, The Hillbilly Moon Explosion have an ability to mix and match and cross boundaries to create their own unique sound, but firmly based in that Gretsch/Standing Bass heritage. Mixing in surf and punk influences well they’ve become a big favourite on the psychobilly scene too. Unlike many modern rockabilly bands, they inject a healthy dose of riotous energy and ‘spark’ to their sound, creating something that is somehow both new and exhilarating and yet nostalgic. No mean feat !
Indeed “The Sparky Sessions” from 2019 is a unique album, a collaboration with Mark ‘Sparky’ Phillips, singer from legendary psychobilly outfit Demented Are Go. Mixing rockabilly sensitivity with rough, raw psychobilly vocals from Sparky, its an unusual, but somehow gripping experience and led to hits such as Queen of Hearts, Jackson, and the emotional and tragic story of a couple of killers for hire in My Love For Evermore. (You should absolutely check it out !).
“Back In Time” marks a return to their rockabilly and rock roots and showcases their incredible and infectious energy as a band. The opening track Sometimes Late at Night jumps right out the speakers at you as Emanuela’s vocals smoulder, a track packed with energy. Check out the video below:
It doesn’t take long for me to find a new favourite track in Summerlove which starts off like something from a French film noir, with the feel of an accordion on a Parisienne street corner by a café it just oozes style. Then part way through it switches it up, and the slide guitar comes in, transitioning to a more country flavoured track. Quite delightful.
The pace picks up with that Americana tone on Knocked Down with a silky smooth and simply dirty sounding standing bass tone, reminiscent of some speakeasy with Oliver on vocal duties giving us some laid back tones with Emanuela on backing vocals, their voices mix perfectly.
Check out the video for Knocked Down below:
1979 has more of an 80’s pop rock feel to it, upbeat and one you just can’t sit still to, and you gotta keep moving into the next one too I Live In My Head which has a pulsing and bouncy feel to it, something you can really get your groove into on the dancefloor !
Emanuela’s vocals are their absolute sultry best in Sudden Ring which is slow and divine, before that Americana beat hits us up again as Jet Fuel Rock N Roll powers into view. Duncan’s guitar licks bring it to life and give it a great rock ‘n roll boogie feel along with the distorted effect on Oliver’s vocals.
The next one catches me out a bit, with a real kinda B-52’s or Cramps feel to it with that signature pulsing guitar tone, the beat is quite hypnotic in that psychedelic rock way. If that caught me out, I certainly wasn’t expecting what comes next, a cover of the 1967 classic by Toussaint McCall Nothing Takes the Place of You. A stunning track with some wonderful lyrics “I moved your picture, off my walls. And I replaced them, both large and small. And each new day, finds me so blue. Nothing, Takes the place of you”. They give it their own unique feel delivering a version that is laid back, laconic and simply wonderful …… a slice of reggae beauty.
Another favourite track for me is the impressive Death By My Side with it’s Americana County flavour, reminding me of the self-titled Nick13 album. The album ends on yet another high in the form of Reno which has the most country vibe on the album with some crisp, crystal clear sliding guitar sections and Bigsby tremolo bends. It’s a perfect example of how The Hillbilly Moon Explosion can sound nostalgic and familiar and yet new and vibrant.
It’s been a while, but its certainly been worth the wait. The Hillbilly Moon Explosion never ever disappoint, and after the ‘high’ of “The Sparky Sessions” they’ve excelled themselves with a brilliant album in “Back In Time”. As the last track Reno fades away, I can’t help put tea it up for another listen.
A wonderful album that lifts your spirits high, and well worth a 9.0 from LiveWire Music.
And there’s more….. The Hillbilly Moon Explosion are heading to the UK and doing a short run of 5 shows. A brilliant live experience, don’t miss the opportunity for a great night out – Show details below and more information available at https://www.hillbillymoon.com/
The Hillbilly Moon Explosion UK Tour 2024
01 May – The Exchange (Bristol)
02 May – Engine Rooms (Southampton
03 May – The Brudenell (Leeds)
04 May – Redrum (Stafford)
05 May – Esquires (Bedford)
