Album Review: Moments by Mountain Ash – A Psychedelic Journey Through Time
If you’re into rock music that takes your brain on a wild ride, Moments by Mountain Ash is the kind of album you need to hear. Released in 2021 under No Fun Records (which, ironically, makes for a lot of fun), this German gem blends prog rock, psychedelic rock, and krautrock into something both nostalgic and refreshingly unpredictable. It’s like taking a trip back to the 70s but with modern twists sprinkled all over it.
The lineup here feels like a dream team of seasoned musicians—Hans-Gerd Fuchs handling bass and vocals with raw emotion, Eckhard Wahlmann laying down hypnotic keyboard lines, and Detlef Klamann shredding guitar riffs that stick in your head long after the record stops spinning. And let’s not forget Henry And Mac engineering everything so perfectly that even the silence between tracks feels intentional.
Now, let me tell ya about two tracks that really stood out to me. First up, “Silence Is Louder Than Crying.” Man, this one hits different. The way the keys creep in at the start, almost whispering before exploding into layers of sound—it’s like they’re telling a story without words. Then there’s Hans-Gerd’s voice cutting through, raspy yet full of heart, singing lyrics that feel deeply personal. By the time the percussion kicks in (shoutout to Uwe Bödeker for those subtle beats!), I was lost in my own thoughts, staring blankly at the wall like some kinda existential philosopher. Honestly, it’s the type of song that makes you wanna sit alone and think about life—or maybe cry a little if you’ve had too much coffee.
Then there’s “Island of Peace,” which shows up twice on the album because apparently once wasn’t enough. This track is pure escapism. Imagine lying on a beach somewhere far away from reality while waves crash around you—but instead of actual waves, it’s Thomas Menzel’s steady drumming keeping the rhythm alive. There’s also this haunting melody played on the guitar that gives me goosebumps every damn time. It’s soothing but not boring, dreamy but grounded. Like, yeah, we’re floating away together, but don’t worry—we’ll still land safely back on Earth when it ends.
One thing I love about Moments is how unapologetically experimental it feels. You can tell these guys weren’t trying to chase trends or please anyone—they just made what came naturally to them. That authenticity shines through each track, whether it’s the chaotic energy of “Devils in the Sky” or the reflective calmness of “My Child.” Even the artwork designed by Hinerk Schrader matches the vibe perfectly; it’s trippy as hell but somehow fits like a glove.
So, would I recommend Moments? Hell yeah, especially if you dig albums that challenge your ears and make you feel stuff. But honestly, listening to Mountain Ash feels less like consuming music and more like having a conversation with old friends who understand exactly where you’re coming from—even if you didn’t realize you needed them until now.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: If aliens ever visit Earth and ask us to explain human emotions through music, I’d hand them this album. Not sure why, but I have a feeling they’d get it.
