Pure Moods by Cave
LABEL: Drag City

Pure Moods, the recent EP release by Cave is loaded full of ripping guitar riffs, grooving bass lines and up tempo, hard driving drum beats. The psychedelic rockers puts you in mind of sounds and concepts that were popular in the 60’s and 70’s, focusing on quality musicianship, excellent tonal choices and the ability to play similar musical phrases that takes you on a journey without ever feeling repetitive.

“Cave knows what it’s about and that’s making great-sounding analog music that rocks even if you don’t have a lava lamp or any black light posters.”

A perfect showcase of that is “Brigitte’s Trip (White Light/White Jazz)” a thirteen minute journey that begins with a clean guitar lick synced up with and quirky drum beat. It’s then joined by a bass line that mirrors the guitar and a slow swelling synth that completes the vibe. At the four minute mark drums pick up the pace and the first vocals are heard but they maintain a back seat in the mix, letting the instruments guide you on Brigitte’s funky psychedelic trip. 

The momentum building “Teenager” begins with a slap back delayed guitar riff accompanied by a thumping bass line and a gritty garage rock vocals. The vintage organ sound dominates the sonic landscape which is constantly being pushed by a busy snare that keeps the song chugging like a locomotive for its full seven minutes.

Cave demonstrates some sonic variety and pop sensibilities with “Hot Bricks” an up tempo tune that features a drum beat and bass line that puts you in mind of Block Party or Foals. Rhythmic vocals are melodically accompanied by a looping guitar line and shimmering organ sounds that leads the song through out.

Cave knows what it’s about and that’s making great-sounding analog music that rocks even if you don’t have a lava lamp or any black light posters.


REVIEWED BY JOSEPH ALLEN
JOSEPH’S FAVE TRACKS: “Brigitte’s Trip (White Light/White Jazz)” • “Teenager” • “Hot Bricks”
Joseph co-owns Traitor’s Gate, a music and audio recording studio