Review in Music Connection Magazine
The Players: Michael Mangum, lead vocals, acoustic guitar; Jocelyn Horvath, vocals, guitar; Aram Giragos, vocals, bass; Matt Soule, drums.
Material: Michael Mangum’s vocal style is reminiscent of early R.E.M., but Where’s Moo ratchet up the rock quotient to Pixie-like levels, and Horvath’s backup vocals and guitar fuzz bring a Sonic Youth quality to the songs. Where’s Moo is an outstanding representation of the group’s influences, and offer something new to the mix as well.
Musicianship: Horvath is so good that she plays with seemingly little effort. Sublime, but uniquely urban, guitar sounds pore out of her instrument, as much as Mangum’s vocals leap from his throat. Giragos is completely immersed in the music, as is the robust Soule, who drums with supreme confidence. Mangum plays his guitar with a purpose. The band is tight and have magnetic chemistry.
Performance: Where’s Moo pumped the Silver Lake lounge with a large dose of the subversive energy that makes the band’s college-radio genre relevant. Mangum wore yellow tinted glasses for the first few songs in a nod to Michael Stipe and Bono. The music grabbed the attention of the crowd, which mostly stood while they moved their bodies slightly to the music, listened intently to the songwriting, and appreciated the fretwork of Horvath as well as the energy and style of Giragos.
Summary: Earnest and dedicated, Where’s Moo is passionate about the frenetically melodious art-rock that it graciously distributes to fans. However, as well as Mangum plays the frontman role, his deference to the band is what makes Where’s Moo a special act to experience live.
Photo by: Forrest Reda
Material: Michael Mangum’s vocal style is reminiscent of early R.E.M., but Where’s Moo ratchet up the rock quotient to Pixie-like levels, and Horvath’s backup vocals and guitar fuzz bring a Sonic Youth quality to the songs. Where’s Moo is an outstanding representation of the group’s influences, and offer something new to the mix as well.
Musicianship: Horvath is so good that she plays with seemingly little effort. Sublime, but uniquely urban, guitar sounds pore out of her instrument, as much as Mangum’s vocals leap from his throat. Giragos is completely immersed in the music, as is the robust Soule, who drums with supreme confidence. Mangum plays his guitar with a purpose. The band is tight and have magnetic chemistry.
Performance: Where’s Moo pumped the Silver Lake lounge with a large dose of the subversive energy that makes the band’s college-radio genre relevant. Mangum wore yellow tinted glasses for the first few songs in a nod to Michael Stipe and Bono. The music grabbed the attention of the crowd, which mostly stood while they moved their bodies slightly to the music, listened intently to the songwriting, and appreciated the fretwork of Horvath as well as the energy and style of Giragos.
Summary: Earnest and dedicated, Where’s Moo is passionate about the frenetically melodious art-rock that it graciously distributes to fans. However, as well as Mangum plays the frontman role, his deference to the band is what makes Where’s Moo a special act to experience live.
Photo by: Forrest Reda