The modern music scene has a very powerful ability - to make even the most devout musical junkie feel slightly jaded. The overwhelming amount of noise pollution that smothers the optic waves of the new age often leaves one in a kicking fit gasping for a fresh breath; or to put it more crassly, there's just so much shit out there that you can't tell what smells good anymore. That is exactly why, when a thread of intrigue comes along your way, you pull at it until you're holding onto a ball of twine. And right now, I'm pulling, with relish, for GOOD TIGER's "A Head Full of Moonlight" is bursting at the seams with that intrigue.

I won't fuck around with sugar and spices - all that needs to be said is that this record is simply a treat. Each song is brimming with an abundance of textures; so much so that the album's consumption becomes an almost tactile affair. And what is even more impressive is how well these different sonic qualities intertwine together. This is definitely a band with synergy. The contribution of every member screams in it's own unique register and is essential to the locomotion of this organism. And what truly makes this almost biological creation so dynamic amidst the musical communities of modern society is the fact that every song, every action, carry their own, speak in an individual voice, and refuse to rely on cellular division to fill a record.

The production is almost flawless. The effect-laden guitars add distinctive touches to every track without becoming a nuisance and lace the path with curious melodies before allowing the broad overdriven chords to bring Dorothy back home to Kansas. Guitarists Derya Nagle and Joaquin Ardiles also get a nod for their energetic, staccato laced riffs on tracks such as the venomous single "Snake Oil", "Enjoy the Rain" and "All Her Own Teeth", which feature some of the more exciting rock guitar work that I've heard in some time. Yet the elements who truly stand on their own in this creative amalgam are bassist Morgan Sinclair and drummer Alex Rüdinger, who control every track with flowing grooves that are woven together with virgin tightness, and range from blistering assaults of "Aspirations" and "'67 Pontiac Firebird" (one of my personal favourites on the record) to the cradle rocking jazz-infused palpitations of "Latchkey Kids" (which is also a stand-out songwriting performance from the band). The only quip regarding the chastity of this record would be the vocal performances. Whilst the emotional and lyrical presence is evident on tracks such as "Understanding Silence" and the interplay between the cleans and screamed passages adds an interesting dichotomy to the songs, the deliveries often seem to lack a certain depth, and their presence in the mix is at times unconvincing.

Overall, "A Head Full of Moonlight" is superb. It has character, and appears to harbour that extra chromosome which is missing in a lot of modern bands. The songs are poignant and at the same time rhythmic, with each track carrying an enchanting tone of a fair siren that hides a dark, alluring secret. If you're looking for a record with substance but find bands like IWRESTLEDABEARONCE or THE MARMOZETS too busy and chaotic for your taste, then "A Head Full of Moonlight" would be your sweet spot. GOOD TIGER has produced a body of work that can both create a fine melodic atmosphere whilst at the same time set it on fire - an altogether amazing piece of work. <