There is a prevalent indie-spirit on this third release from The Miscellaneous. This could be attributed to the fact that they chose to produce it themselves, even after having worked with Armand Petri on their last album. (Petri is known for his work with Sixpence, 10,000 Maniacs, and Goo Goo Dolls, and this should give you an indication of the quality of music that The Misc. are capable of creating.) Abundantly quirky and unusual approaches to pop music help create a musical bill that doesn't fit most genres all too easily. Part pop, part rock, part alternative, and part Cuisinart blender, seasoned alternately with Stef Loy's unique range of vocals, and Sooi's singing, reminiscent of Tess Wiley of Velour100, or Sadie Morris of 5000fed. The exclusive use of vintage guitars also brings a jangly, loose feel to the songs. The production is well-done, with strong emphasis on the vocals, and guitars.
Perhaps the thing that stands out about this international hodgepodge band (consisting of three Swedes, a Dutch girl, and an American) is their interesting, and imaginative lyrics. The catchy opening track, "Bug" is sort of a Chicken-Little analysis of our society's fear of the inevitable end. "On the brink of a brand new day, glory in a global way, birth of the new age reeks of decay, story of the Y2K, the sky is falling the sky is falling, someone, shouts, some men fear this teeter totter see saw, bring us near to clarity . . ."
Personal and spiritual themes are evident throughout. For instance, the touching, and tender melody "Surround Her" was penned by Sooi, as a prayer of protection for her sister that was in the hospital during one of their tours. "Silver Fish" challenges us to not take youth for granted, and to really cherish our elders while they are still here. "See This" is one of my favorite songs on this album, but I can't quite put a finger on what it is that grabs me most. You'll just have to hear it for yourself. "Crumbs," as well, has that witty combination of lyrics, casual yet urgent guitars, and a peppering of percussion. This is the song that brings in the title of the album, "moth and rust" as the predetermined end to all things we strive after in our life.
With the poetry and clever music that The Miscellaneous have cooked up, it seems that they are on the brink of a bigger audience here in the US, to follow the popularity they have enjoyed in Europe thus far. So, a note to those who appreciate creative music: write down this album name, (That's "The Miscellaneous- Moth & Rust") and pick up a copy.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaThe Miscellaneous second release on Grey Dot has no sophomore slump. This Swedish alternative band rocks from start to finish. Trading vocals are Stef Loy and Sooi who both have fine rock alternative voices that keep the energy up, even when the song drags a little, and a couple of the songs near the end of the CD do drag a little. The band has written some good songs in the few years between…7ball #27Reviewed by Treble BandopplerThe Miscellaneous' name is appropriate, as this group is an assorted lot, combining talent from around Europe. The album is as diverse as the members' nationalities, and each song has a very distinct personality and unique sound. The most peculiar facet of Moth and Rust is the presence of two lead singers: one male, one female. Not just prominent BGVs, but a true exchange of lead-mic. Stef Loy…HM Magazine #79Reviewed by David BixlerIs it just me, or does Scandinavia put out a lot of good music? And though that area of the world is primarily known for more extreme bands, along the likes of the mighty Extol, Blindside, and Antestor, The Miscellaneous demonstrates that extreme music isn't the only quality music coming from there. The Miscellaneous plays a tight brand of, well, modern alternative rock, for lack of a better…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Alex KlagesSwedish rockers The Miscellaneous has released their first album aimed at the North American market. While their previous album, All Good Weeds Grow Up, had a decent amount of success in Europe before US-based Gray Dot picked them up, there was very little promotion. The group doesn't tour much in North America and the sales of the album, while respectable, were weak. But this is a band that…Similar sounding releases
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