Album Review: Moby – All Visible Objects

Worthy

It seems like Moby is everywhere, becoming more known for his activism and politics than his music. That’s not to say Moby doesn’t have his hits and radio play, but Moby appeals to people for his soft-spoken charm and over-the-top behavior and less for his drum sequencing. He is the type of celebrity who appears in the back of a vegan restaurant’s menu. Yet Moby also happens to appeal to a large audience musically. Blending house, downtempo and trip-hop into easy listening groovy music. His newest project All Visible Objects is a refreshing callback to Moby’s best releases. 

“Morningside” is a dance track that replays a soulful vocal sample over an evolving house groove; the best part of the song is when the synth lets the beat and bassline shine. “My Only Love” is hard-hitting and overdramatic. Its dense synth strings are paired with somber pianos and driving electronic beats. The pianos aren’t perfectly played and the mix isn’t the crispest, but there is a nice warmth in Moby’s sound. “Refuge” further proves this point by unleashing a driving bassline paired with dense distorted house grooves. Moby manages to insert a hippy-dippy save the earth mantra at the end which actually fits pretty nicely. 

“Separation” is great with its minimal composition. Emotional synth and piano playing tell a believable story of sadness and hope. This track slowly evolves from loud to soft, like thick waves of sound leading into a subtle mist. “Too Much Change” is one of the best tracks on the album, wonderfully balanced and instrumentally gorgeous. The lush vocals and quiet jazz percussion erupt into a hair raising house groove.

All Visible Objects is a great success. Moby has truly found his way back into the light and makes complete and emotional music that makes people want to dance. The boundaries of dance music have not been pushed, but the fans can be happy now.

Joseph Shigematsu: Joe resides in San Diego, playing in dirt, making and listening to a lot of music, and of course being a contributor at Mxdwn.com.
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