When did bands suddenly decide to try and out-bore their audiences? Songwriting has given way to ambiance. Talent has given way to total irreverence. Thankfully, this isn't the case with MOS GENERATOR's new disc! Now hipsters: don't get scared away. There are plenty of wacky, ambient divergences on "The Late, Great Planet Earth," to keep your average indie rock crossover fan happy, but thankfully, they are not the primary focus. Here, the more artsy moments are welcome additions that really contribute to the overall mood of the record.

Like all good stonerrock/doom groups, MOS GENERATOR's influences are obvious (Sabbath, Monster Magnet, etc..) but their penchant for sonic experimentation, great songwriting and impeccable musicianship really set them apart from the pack. Guitarist Tony Reed's playing is suitably Iommish, but with enough nifty harmony overdubs and flourishes to evidence a style all his own. And he has decent pipes, too! Reed's vocals are a welcome change from the tuneless cacophony that most bands try to pass off as vocals these days. His voice is like a cleaner (in more ways than one, I'm sure) Dave Wyndorf from MONSTER MAGNET. In terms of the songs and performances, there are many standouts. "Six Million People Dead" slithers along evilly, like a snake. "Fall of Megiddo" brings the trippy, PINK FLOYD influence that they flirted with on the opening track "On the Eve" to the fore. Bassist Scooter Haslip will leave your skull crushed on "The Myopic," and "Exit the Atomic Age." His sound is really dense and undoubtedly HEAVY! Drummer Shawn Johnson used to be in the fondly remembered (by me, anyway) band MIND FUNK. Any one who remembers that band, will remember Johnson as being no slouch in the groove department. Good to know he is still in top form.

This Earth might be late and great, but I'm happy to report it isn't boring!

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: www.mosgenerator.com

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: On the Eve

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