by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Moon Diagrams is the solo project of Deerhunter drummer Moses Archeluta – and Cemetery Classics is his second release, seven years after the acclaimed Lifetime Of Love, also on Sonic Cathedral.

Intriguingly, Moses’ description of the album is that “It’s about finding out your arms are too short to box with God…the inverse of a desert island disc – a graveyard disc. Songs to take into the afterlife.”

Cemetery Classics features guitar from Josh Diamond (Gang Gang Dance) and Patrick Flegel, along with vocals from Anastasia Coope – and, strikingly, keyboards and drum programming from James Ford.

What’s the music like?

The title may imply a gallows humour, but there is some dead good music here from Archeluta, and as Cemetery Classics progresses it delivers a bunch of excellent grooves and tableaus that vary from dark to uplifting.

On occasion his work resembles that of Andrew Weatherall, especially in the murmured vocals and smoky beat of Brand New Effie. The languid guitar and breezy mood of NRG hints at much sunnier climes, while Big Ref and Fifteen Shows At One time present irresistibly groovy music.

Listen To Me and Fragment Rock are compelling, widescreen grooves with more than a hint of dub, the latter featuring some disorientating brass and boomy, bassy vocals.

Does it all work?

It does. On occasion Archeluta’s work resembles Animal Collective or an outtake from an Adrian Sherwood session, but he can turn his work to so many styles, all of which knit together beautifully here.

Is it recommended?

It is, enthusiastically. One of those albums that impresses on first listen but gets you in a musical and emotional hold in the next few encounters. One of the sleeper albums of the year so far.

For fans of… Animal Collective, Andrew Weatherall, Adrian Sherwood

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,266 – Saturday 10 August 2024