Moonface is the solo project of Spencer Krug, who is also known for his work with Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown. Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped is Krug’s second release under this moniker, and his first since Wolf Parade went on hiatus this year. Krug probably wouldn’t blame you for lightly comparing this to some of his other music. There are times when you might feel like you’re hearing an old Sunset Rubdown castaway, only set to a modernized Nintendo soundtrack. But, in the end it’s not a full band affair—it’s just some organ, programmed drums, blips, bleeps and Krug wailing away with his unique vocal delivery.
There are only five songs here, the shortest clocking in just under 6:40, but this feels like just enough before it would teeter into self-indulgence; although, in Krug’s, case self-indulgence might be expected and quickly forgiven.
The man is a whimsical wordsmith, and this mad collection of sweeping retro organ songs is a fun listen. “Fast Peter,” a story of love in a digital age, has quickly become a favourite, followed closely by “Return to the Violence of the Ocean Floor.”
A collection of crazed, modern, Nintendo-friendly tunes, these are the explorations, meditations and manic whirls of beauty that only Spencer Krug could get away with. If anything, Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped sounds like the release of pent up ideas, and if you admire Krug’s music, you’ll be glad that he finally released this batch of spirits into the world.
