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Moon X — Rocket to the Moon
(Bandcamp New House Music, 2025, CD / LP / DL)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2025-02-09

Rocket to the Moon Cover art

From 2017 to 2020 there was Moon Men, a four-piece that bore a unique sound with elements of progressive rock, jazz, sci-fi, and humor, all working remotely from different planets in the solar system. But then came 2021 and drummer Billzilla left to follow other endeavors, and at the same time guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Eschaton Crater decided it was his time to exit as well. That left bassist and guitarist Cthulhu Moone and keyboardist and woodwind player Dom Fook to regroup — now using their real names (Jerry King and Dave Newhouse, respectively) with new drummer George Newhouse as Moon X in 2022, releasing the albums Zap! (2022), The New Prometheus in 2023, and now Rocket to the Moon, with each one being a giant step better than the one before it. Though I wouldn’t say any of the three are substandard, this band just seems to be on an uphill roll. This time it’s pretty much all instrumental, save for some sampled voices on the album closer “Axial Tilt” (eschewing lyrics or singing), a solid tune that moves forward in a sort-of Canterbury jazz-rock style with a superb sax line and jangly guitar being the most prominent features. Other tracks along the way vary in style and mood, but the compositions and arrangements all fit together superbly to make for a stirring journey for the listener. “Moon Dream” is an overtly electronic piece with a gentle groove; drums and an interesting bass and processed acoustic guitar riff join in about two minutes in and take it home. “Advent of the Moon” opens the album, featuring a wicked bass groove, classy drum fills, and great sax and electric piano to drive the piece forward to its conclusion, with some soaring guitar leads along the way. Another standout is the seven-plus minute “Cities of Barsoom,” with its dark and mysterious feel, featuring prominent ebow guitar, an interesting bass line, clarinet, saxes, a great drum groove and much more. Starting with some very weird electronic sampled sounds, “Dwarf Star” quickly finds a nice bottom end groove over which keyboards and sax paint a colorful melody along with some wild guitar undercurrents. Starting with a beautiful guitar figure, “Meteor Glide” is quickly fortified by piano, synths, beautifully effected guitars, and more, there’s not a wasted measure here anywhere. Eight songs in all, and all are absolutely essential.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Dave Newhouse (Manna / Mirage), Jerry King / Cloud over Jupiter, Moon X

More info
http://cloudoverjupiter.bandcamp.com

 

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