Beginning life as the skeletal bass guitar demos of vocalist/songwriter Margaret McCarthy,
Bodies of Water is the debut album of Chicago-based indie rock trio
Moontype. What the songs evolved into is something not only fleshy and urgent but often raucous and shape-shifting, with the band noting that they often let McCarthy's intimate lyrics dictate rhythms. As a result, tracks like "When Will I Learn," "Blue Michigan," and the lonesome "Stuck on You" are among others that feature subtly shifting meters. The latter song also reveals some of the country music background of guitarist (and one-time jazz performance major) Ben Cruz and drummer Emerson Hunton, who also play together in projects spanning jazz and avant-garde music. The track's quiet, galloping rhythm manifests in skittering snare, a lively bass line, and rhythmically animated guitar, albeit with a limited range, at least until Cruz breaks out a solo to end the song. Louder entries include opening track "Anti-Divinity" and "Lush," both rooted in noisy distortion and punchy hooks. Considering the relatively limited instrumentation and membership involved,
Bodies of Water offers a variety of textures, with tracks like "Blue Michigan" and the memorably bittersweet "3 Weeks" opting for more-pristine guitar tones. The brisk and bouncy "About You" lands somewhere in between, offering a stick-clacking, two-minute guitar pop tune inspired by affection for a friend -- or were they something more? Throughout the album, McCarthy's vulnerable confessions and airy vocals unite an ultimately compelling set of songs that may appeal to noise rock and indie singer/songwriter fans alike. ~ Marcy Donelson