Moin continue their relentless hot streak with this surprise four song release, out with zero notice as of RIGHT NOW. Such immediacy suits the band's overall dynamic, though they're using the EP format here the way it should be - ie as a testing ground and explorative dance around some of their more outre tendencies. If you've caught them live, you'll know how direct and punishing they can be, heavy enough at times to resemble an early incarnation of Earth. That's not exactly what they are here. There's a much larger focus on rhythmic ingenuity - and why not when you have one of the best drummers in the game! - and post-production idiosyncrasies, incorporating their trademark vocal samples as well as some less distinct electronic manipulations that dizzy more than they bludgeon. Post-hardcore/-rock are still loosely relevant tags, hitting the mark between NOMEANSNO and Tortoise by way of some pronounced jazz influences (it's not for nothing Fritz Welch features on third song, I Can I Can't), though the sharp production style feels markedly modern in such a way to continue to distance them from anything approaching revivalism. What Moin do most obviously share with any of those forerunners is a sense of wanting to traverse new terrain, to push forward, evidence of which you can find elsewhere in abundance via their always excellent NTS shows. If nothing else, any term affixed with the word 'post-' does suggest some kind of future-facing impulse. And of which, Clocked Off shapes a new one for Moin through its own subtle innovations. Please also note that both albums are now back in print.
And finally, we'll be helping mark the release of the EP with an instore event on Friday 14th July. 17:00 until later. £0.00. Bring a bottle. 'Not a live music event'.