Arda & The Stolen Moon crafts a timeless tasteful splendor on the triumphant “Outsider in Perpetual Motion”. Quite a gifted storyteller, the lyrics rest front and center of the entire thing. From elements of sci-fi to folk musings, the way the album unfurls gives it a sense of majesty. She incorporates a wide slew of styles into the brew from elements of punk, jazz, indie pop, and more all with her own unique voice tying it together. Instrumentally the songs stun for they possess so much vivid color that blooms throughout. The production in particular helps to give it a rather intimate setting, one where each flourish is treated with the utmost of care.
References abound, and her style is one of a classic hue. The nods to LiLiPUT appear throughout the album from the angular guitar riffs to the dreamy-eyed narratives that pass on by. For the gentle spirit a bit of Marine Girls’ twee sensibilities is reflected in the gentler moments of the album. On the more contemporary kick, she brings up imagery from the vastly underrated The Courtneys in terms of the sheer giddiness that pops on throughout the whole of the journey. Best of all this is a physical, intimate sound one where the listener feels like they are a part of it.
“Emotional Hacking” captures the zeitgeist of the times, for it opens up the album with a whole slew of pop references that have a fresh vibrancy to them. A wonderful guitar jangle anchors the soothing acid fairy tale of “The Duke Of Icicle Ft. Stefanos Georgiades” with a spry beat working itself into a frenzy. With just the right hint of reflection comes the tenderness of “Signals Ft. Sarah Fenwick & Nama”. Saxophone gives “Twenty63” a bit of fanfare as there is an explosion of joy. Meditation reigns supreme over the Terry Riley inspired ambience of “Wishing”.
“The Pebble In My Shoe” has an ebb and flow to it that gives it a true spirit of life. By far the highlight the way she balances the many different suites of the song feels nimble. Bass reminiscent of the giddy pop of Nathan Fake worms its way through the driving pulse of “Upset The Apple Cart”. Tactile percussion adds to the celebration of “Monkeys”. Hauntingly beautiful, the delicate finale of “Fools & A Molina Moon” brings the album to a close.
“Outsider in Perpetual Motion” is one of those beautiful albums, with Arda & The Stolen Moon deftly sidestepping trends for something that feels ageless, bright, and airy.
