The Moglass – Telegraph poles are getting smaller and smaller as the distance grows
Seamlessly incorporating textures from far-reaching extremes (AMM to Tortoise to The Cocteau Twins), The Moglass are an intriguing group from the Ukraine. Though recorded nearly 4 years ago, and released a while ago, I’ve just received a copy through the fakejazz corporate office.
Gurgling synths and pillowy textures introduce the album, giving the impression that The Moglass would have been right at home playing in an Ann Arbor living room in 1996. For the next two tracks however, the band aims straight for the sun with astral clatter, chirping electronics, reverse looping and structureless improvisations that seem to be occasionally subject to an easily distracted mind (which is good, as the parts being played and explored shift and redirect themselves, keeping the songs fresh).
Though, as with most improvisational music, there are a few times where a part is overplayed, and an idea is pounded into the ground. The Moglass are a guitar/bass/electronics trio, so while their instrumentation lends itself to these improvisational pieces, the more straightforward, composed “songs” have a unique twist, as they are all drumless. This gives the band an understated quality that plays to the strengths inherent in the bands’ moody textures. Four of the album’s 6 tracks are at or well beyond the 10-minute mark, which allows these moods to build, contract, and spread themselves heavily. The airy texture of the fourth track plays perfect counterpoint to the jarring loop in the fifth. The album ends with a minimal foray deep into the world of careening electronics and pulsing tones. Not many albums begin sounding like a tribute to Grimble Grumble and end sounding like a tribute to Xenakis. Hopefully The Moglass will keep making more of these.
sean hammond