Amazon.co.uk Review
Indigo Moss are one of the most original-sounding British bands to debut in years, and they do so by looking abroad--and into the past--for their influences. The clue to what makes their sound so original lies in their name (Indigo Moss being a pun on bluegrass), and this South London band take this traditionally American musical style and make it into something wholly unique and quite special, much as the Pogues did for Irish folk. And when you think about it, there's nothing unusual in a bunch of Brits playing bluegrass music--bluegrass itself is based on the folk music of the British Isles, and they share common themes of death, betrayal and redemption. But don't for a minute think that this album is a downer: "Dang Nabbit" is a jaunty banjo and harmonica-led tune that can deliver the line "You're a lying, low-down, cheating parasite" with clap-along cheerfulness. In fact, most of the songs on
Indigo Moss could soundtrack either a funeral (the straightforwardly-titled "Suicide Song") or a hoedown ("The Sweet Spirits o' Cats a Fightin'")--or some strange combination of the two ("Nature of this Town"). Best of all, Indigo Moss display both originality and talent on this debut album, proving that being novel does not make them a novelty.
--Robert Burrow