Franc Moody puts ‘Into the Ether’ on a new album – // MELODIC Magazine
Recommended tracks: “Mass Appeal”, “Raining in LA”, “Something’s Got Me”
Artists you might like: Benny sings, Blossoms, Daft Punk
There are times when we feel like we are moving forward as a society and times when we feel like we are going backwards. The constant fluctuation is enough to drive anyone crazy, as there is no clear way to tell where we are headed. The electro-funk group Frank Moody have captured this in their music lately, from songs that sound both old and new to lyrics that portray epic highs and abrupt lows. On their second album, In the etherthe group does its best to find a balance in the constant incoherence while making peace with the spaces in between.
Generally, In the ether is a record that feels good despite its various discouraged tracks. On “I’m in a Funk”, for example, the groovy beats and catchy melodies dissipate the harshness of lines like “I can see our dreams are crumbling / Before my eyes, but I feel nothing at all”. The same vibe is showcased on “Suspended Animation,” where Frank Moody talks about “making the same mistakes” and being “stuck in suspended animation,” but dismisses his frustration with layers of animated percussion. There’s also “Raining in LA”, which evokes homesickness. As we hear about the struggle to leave someone important behind to pursue a dream, we are also treated to funky riffs that turn the track into a dancefloor anthem.
When Frank Moody replaces the helpless lyrics of these songs with more moody ones, the tracks take on an invincible, effervescent quality. The group set out to remove materialistic pursuits and lack of individual identity on “Mass Appeal”, surrounding themselves with a world of “leopard print and neoprene”. Together, the descriptive lyrics and brilliant synth paint a world of technicolor luxury while manifesting the imperceptible desire to jump on such trends. On “Cherry,” the only desire that emerges is to be with someone who completes you, as we hear, “Time doesn’t matter / Nothing matters anymore. ” This sense of greater strength taking hold is also addressed on the disco-meets-electro track “Something’s Got Me.” On such an eclectic sound, we get lyrics like “Something’s got me started / Something’s got me feel good”. Although this “something” cannot be explained, we definitely feed on the encouraging feeling.
While these previous tracks have elements consistent with dance and house music, there are other tracks that give full play to this sound. The title track, which is also the opener, is a tropical reverie with relaxed beats and layered vocals. Its location on In the ether fits, because it invites the listener into such an open space, into such an ether. We also have the ominous “Here Comes the Drop”, full of wavering and sultry rhythms that build suspense as we wait for the fateful drop. The album ends with “In Transit”, which uses driving drums and lively lines like “Keep movin’ on” and “Never gonna stop” to give your step a little pep.
In all, In the ether is as expansive and compelling as its name suggests. We are taken on a journey that imposes no rules or regulations, with each track blending it lyrically and in production. Either way, Frank Moody instills distinct feelings and moments from song to song, emphasizing the importance of relying on a mood or mood. They definitely made peace with the spaces between such emotions, while also bringing us to a place where we can do the same – whether in the ether or elsewhere.
Franc Moody will perform at Novo in Los Angeles on November 3 in support of the album. You can buy tickets here.
You can listen In the ether on platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple Music.
Follow Frank Moody: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // YouTube // TikTok // Website