Moore Moss Rutter: ‘III’ - album review
MOORE MOSS RUTTER
‘III’
Hudson Records
We avoid the more obvious ‘firm of solicitors’ jokes as Jack Rutter, Tom Moore and Archie Churchill-Moss get things together for the third time on, erm, ‘III’.
A Hudson Records production naturally sees Andy Bell at the helm and it’s his engineers notes that give the lowdown on what’s a developing relationship – maybe even earning a MMR & Bell tag as the essential fourth member.
Recorded as complete live takes with the aim of capturing their closeness and synchronicity, it’s a pretty fair job to these ears. The continuity and progression leading Mr Bell to remark on how he’s looking forward to the next three albums – and although even Peter Gabriel stopped after his own fourth, it’s anyone’s guess that they’ll probably be titled something other than ‘IV’, ‘V’ and ‘VI’.
The Moore/Moss musical relationship that makes up a third of False Lights and resulted in their own ‘Laguna’ album at the end of last year, seems to dominate the writing credits for MMR ‘III’. Their natural synergy is complemented by Jack Rutter’s guitar infusions and rhythms with the result that for three young guys there’s a stately quality to their combination that belies the fact that they’ve been playing in this format for a decade.
Inspiration comes from wild and wonderful sources; places for seal watching, cider taverns and strong coffee, to the more expected musical inspirations; Playford dance tunes, Danish wedding tunes and minuets all marking their mark.The initial drive of ‘Intrepid // Espresso’ develops into a lively roister whilst ‘Hilly Fields // Blakeney Point’ is suitably pastoral, conjuring up images of open space and glorious country days. Then there’s the animals: ‘Dougal’ - a lament for the family cat with the rubbery squeak of fingers on guitar strings and ‘Rowler’s Jig’ for Jack Rutter’s dog.
While Andy Bell talks of the trio having bucketloads of music in them, the temporary draining in ‘III’ leaves the vessel half full rather than half empty. As they evolve even more quickly than their hairstyles, we look forward to the journey, anticipating plenty more to spill forth.
Watch MMR ‘live from the Crypt’ about a year ago
https://www.mooremossrutter.co.uk/
About the Author
Mike Ainscoe Mike's mellowed in his old age, discovering the delights of traditional folk and acoustic music and the constant stream of new music coming through his passion as a gig-goer, music photographer and writer. With favourite artists and favourite songs which change daily, even hourly, he adds another spoke to the Sonic Bandwagon wheel of fortune.
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