Moksha's “Mammal or Machine” is an adventurous hour long journey through the rock, blues, and electronic music genres. Fusing guitar and keys into longer, layered compositions has resulted in an album that easily ventures from genre to genre, even within moments of a particular song. There is an old spirit at play in many of these songs, as the organ of “God's Country” summons us for the Revival. This sort of throwback spirit contrasts nicely with the more modern styling of “Open the Door” and tracks in that vein. The album is ambitious in scope and succeeds because of its nifty arrangements and excellent execution. Moksha, currently based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, features the talents of John Heishman on bass and vocals, Patrick Gray on drums and percussion, Brian Triola on keys, organs and vocal, and Jeremy Parks on guitar and lap steel. A large assembly of notable artists appear on certain tracks on this album, with DJ Logic being one of the more notable contributers. The album features 11 layered, lush jams that range from ambient “chill lounge” tracks to feverish bluegrass romps. The resulting combinations are deftly executed and charming.
“Mammal or Machine” begins with soulful, deep-fried guitar of "Bran Nu Junk" before a full horn section blares its enthusiastic arrival. This song ambles by like a sultry Saturday evening, offering full-bodied soul and the hip-shaking swagger of spirited guitar. “Blind to the Time” offers a similar dose of horn and bluesy rock, with an occasional flash of scorching guitar to color the scenery as well. “Interface” begins in more placid waters and features the rather iconic (at least in “jam” circles) DJ Logic on turntables. This song displays excellent vocals and a relaxed, airy groove as it saunters to its conclusion. “Island Thyme” incorporates a loose Caribbean vibe for a world-music “feel” that seems reminiscent of those great old Paul Simon albums “Graceland” and “Rhythm of the Saints.” From these buoyant beginnings, the song progresses with a loping conversation between guitar and horns. “Say U Will” bleeps and blips its way out of the starting gate, then coalesces under a spacey combination of guitar and keys. Windy Karigianes offers a lyrical delivery that reminds me of some exotic chanteuse in a Parisian nightclub; part Blondie, part Johnette Napolitano. The song displays the pulsing rumble of rhythmic bass and layered synth effects, completing its panoramic ride with a guitar solo that would make Frank Zappa proud.
“Open the Door” begins with layers of ambient noise (provided again by DJ Logic), keyboards and guitar that yield to Angela Kerfoot's vocals. This track culminates with slick keys embellishing the sparse, simple thread at the root of the song. The vast “Morning Fog” spotlights exploratory guitar over an understated backbone of drums and bass. Psychedelic vocals reminiscent of old Pink Floyd dot the latter measures of the track. “Easy A” possesses a carefree spirit and lyrical guitar, lightly picked, over a foundation of drums, bass and atmospheric keys. “Bobbin on the Sea” features nice interplay between keys and guitar, as the two instruments swell and alternate in intensity. “Trouble,” with its rowdy bluegrass sensibility, invokes such Phish “LawnBoy” classics like “My Sweet One” and “Bathtub Gin,” both in spirit and execution. The song features Brian Triola's spirited work on the keys across its seven minute voyage. The frantic gesticulations of “Trouble” strike an interesting contract with the sedate, subtle beginnings of “God's Country.” This track begins lightly but closes the album in waters that hint at some gorgeous, gospel awakening.
“Mammal or Machine” showcases lush compositions steeped in blues, rock, and elements of electronica as well. The resulting combinations are ambitious, well-executed, and result in an uncompromising “jam” album full of twists and turns. Moksha is joined by a bevy of notable artists for this studio recording. The results prove to be ambitious and entertaining. Although Las Vegas claims them as its own, the tracks on this album suggest that wider audiences could be around the corner for the four hard-working lads in Moksha.
- J. Evan Wade
I've had to pleasure of catching Moksha play in a few different places from las vegas, Phish festival 8 where they played the parking lot for a raging after hours party, to northern California. Only one word comes to mind when I listen to them play and that's "Quality". Moksha is not a band to sleep on, see them while you still can in a local venue befor they blow up and start playing main stages at major festivals while you still can!
Moksha is awesome and my favorite new band to see. I bought the CD because I remember their name from while I was walking around festival 8. They are so sick and I had such a good time. I was not expecting such a high quality band playing that night- what a treat. I mean, they are pro's and will for sure be successful! This CD does not disappoint!
Amazing CD!!!!!
Are you serious???? Killer CD! Truly unique!
I have not taken this CD out of my CD player since I bought it almost 2 months ago. I love this band and can't wait to hear what comes next.
These guys bring it everytime! I will not miss a show.
I love bringing new people and watching them eat their words.
There is no denying the momentum evolving around these fellas,
always some new surprise - one minute it's a packed show
at the House of Blues, next it's an intimate graduation
party on a rooftop pool deck overlooking downtown Vegas.
They've had special guests like Brian Stoltz, DJ Logic,
and Magician Jeff McBride. They keep their grooves fresh -
one minute they're funk, then hip-hop, then bluegrass and
everyone is still gettin' down til the last note is played.
The boys are the nicest most down-to-earth folks you will
ever meet and you truly feel like you are family.
Love it! This cd is an awesome array of musical delights. I listen to it everyday and I usually let it repeat at least once. Every song is a journey deep with raw emotion, I catch myself singing the lyrics throughout the day. I have never seen their live show but I did a search online for videos, whoa. Looks like I've been missing out! Moksha, come out to Sebastapol, pleeeeaase!
While in my endless journey to find music that satisfies all of my transcendental hopes and dreams, I stumble upon Moksha. The sound, the energy, and sheer musicianship of this ensemble is nothing like I have ever experienced before. Moksha takes the listener on a ride through cosmic harmony and while the boundary lines of "genre" begin to fade, one realizes that this is what really good music is supposed to sound like.
I have been following these consummate musicians for years as they have evolved into the Moksha we know and love today and it has been a true pleasure. Seeing Moksha Live is an experience all its own. More like a religious experience if you ask me. Their climactic funk filled jams have been known to cause one to dance so hard that they break a knee! Entirely worth it by the way.
I am a Jersey girl that has fallen for the FUNK!
I was visiting my cousin in Las Vegas and she dragged me to a local show at the House of Blues, said "we had to see this band Moksha". Not only did I hear one of the best shows I have seen in a while &
immediately bought their CD after the show, but the generosity & flow of their fans put a smile on my face & in my heart for the rest of the trip.
Moksha came into my life in a time of great transition when I decided I was going to wake up happy every day. how apropos due largely in part to their upbeat, katalytic sounds & lyrics as well as the friends & fans that shimmy & shake at all of their shows.
simply put I have a Love in my world and Moksha was part of the mold. Their music inspires one's Self to heal & share, dance & release, make Peace and believe in one's ability to shine.
The musical quality and dedication is evident throughout the album & I encourage you to experience this transition.
Peace & Hugs Planet!
This album is awesome, I can't decide which song is my favorite. Hope to catch them Live one day!!!!
Diggin' the tunes for sure:) Great CD:) Definitely worth a listen...:D
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds"-Mr. Bob Marley
I found these guys at the High Sierra mMusic Fest, they were not a featured artist at the fest, I was wondering around and met a guy named Matt who said "come to my tent, there a band in there" and I wondered over and magical sounds filled my ears, it was rediculous, had to buy the CD. Rocked it in my car untill the battery died (had to call AAA) had all my neighbors running over to find out who I was listening to. CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH THEM AGAIN!
Moshka is so awesome. I have been blasting them in my headphones for so long now that I may become infected with bass. Everything they do sounds crystal clear and I am one happy camper. Good stuff.
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