Best tunes of 2020: #13 Moaning “Ego”

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Moaning is an American indie rock trio that was formed in Los Angeles, California back in 2014. This wasn’t the first rodeo, though, for Sean Solomon (vocals, guitars), Pascal Stevenson (bass, synthesizers), and Andrew MacKelvie (drums, percussion). All three members were veterans of the hometown music scene and in fact were in a previous band together, having met and formed a friendship back in high school. This band seemed fated for more success, though, after some chance encounters led to Alex Newport producing their self-titled debut album and to their signing with iconic indie label Sub Pop for its release.

Moaning quickly drew comparisons Joy Division with their bass-heavy, dark, and angular post punk sound and Sean Solomon’s dour vocal delivery. They could’ve done worse in many people’s eyes and ears, especially since the mention in the same breath was not imbued with any derogatory irony. From album one to album two, the progression left room for the haunting synths to appear, giving the whole party a retro and nostalgic feel. And not forgetting of course, that at their base, all of their songs are dance floor, freak-out ready.

“The highest high, the lowest low
I wanna lose my ego
It’s easier to complain
But there is beauty in the mundane”

Track one opens Moaning’s sophomore album like a scraping footstep in an empty and very likely haunted house just after midnight. “Ego” is a driving and rumbling bass line that Peter Hook might be proud of and the drums just trounce along, adding a thudding heartbeat to this psychological thriller. Wailing synths grace the chorus, only slightly foretold by alien sounding creaks, just below the surface, seething and biding their time to strike. And as dark and sinister as this all sounds, the inspiration for the lyrics are quite the opposite, exploring the idea of thinking of others outside of one self, putting aside your own bs to see that the world is still happening around you.

“I wanna be anybody but myself
I wanna love anybody but myself”

For the rest of the Best tunes of 2020 list, click here.