There is something inherently calming about large bodies of water. In times of emotional duress, standing at the edge of a ocean, watching the waves roll in and out, centers the spirit in a way standing on terra firma cannot. Kevin Murphy chose to title the Moondoggies’ new album Tidelands in part because of a remote area outside his old stomping grounds of Ketchikan, Alaska where he used to go camping and escape from civilization. But more importantly, as the sly recurring themes of water throughout the Seattle quartet’s second full-length underscore, these are songs crafted to provide solace, sense, and cause for celebration in a world fraught with turmoil.

“What the water represents can be taken many different ways,” concedes Murphy. “Many of the lyrics came to me while trying to be constructive in how I dealt with feeling depressed, rather than just getting wrapped up in my own head.”

Although full-throated vocal harmonies are still central to the band’s sound, the ten selections that comprise Tidelands embrace a wider range of timbres and dynamics than their 2008 debut, Don’t Be A Stranger. Stylistically, this sophomore set is a significant creative leap forward for the young band. There are selections fashioned from little more than hushed acoustic guitar and vocals (the haunting “A Lot of People On My Mind”), and others—such as the robust “What Took So Long”—that rise and fall and accumulate momentum, veering towards gospel fervor with impassioned blasts of organ, then reeling back in quiet reflection. Tunes written almost exclusively by Murphy are juxtaposed with those born from long sessions improvising with his band mates: drummer Carl Dahlen, keyboard player Caleb Quick, and bassist Robert Terreberry….

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• The Moondoggies on Hardly Art

The Moondoggies - Tidelands

SBL-73019 - Released: October 12, 2010

PLEASE NOTE This is a release from Hardly Art. Please contact nick@hardlyart.com for any/all press matters. http://www.hardlyart.com/moondoggies.html

There is something inherently calming about large bodies of water. In times…

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Full Lengths

Don't Be A Stranger

Tidelands

EPs

You'll Find No Answers Here

• The Moondoggies - Changing (MP3)
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• Promo Photo - Moondoggies - photo by Christopher Nelson
• Promo Photo - Moondoggies - photo by Christopher Nelson
• Promo Photo - Moondoggies - photo by Christopher Nelson

• Cover - Don't Be A Stranger
• Cover - Tidelands
• Cover - You'll Find No Answers Here