The Moondoggies, the Maldives

[ROOTS ROCK] The Moondoggies is a band that mixes wistful Americana melodies and warm organ tones with surefooted electric-guitar riffs. More than anything, though, the band is driven by brawny, multi-part harmonies. On its 2010 sophomore album, Tidelands, the Seattle group toes the line between accentuating its tracks with a sea of voices and simply drowning them in it. Despite claiming his shyness for singing in the past, frontman Kevin Murphy pushes his classic-rock-inspired pipes confidently through the album, leaving the listener yearning for more precious solo time with the singer. This is not to say the band’s swelling harmonies aren’t beautifully executed—they are, and they make for a great live show. But the key for the Doggies’ next move will be to save its vocal manpower for the moments that really warrant it, and give what’s underneath the chance to shine through. 

Where: Mississippi Studios
Phone: 288-3895
Address: 3939 N Mississippi Ave.
Website: www.mississippistudios.com