Return to the Moon (Political Song for Didi Bloome to Sing, with Crescendo)
Scratched a ticket
With a leg of a cricket
And I got triple Jesus
Cashed it in
For a Siamese twin
At the family firing range
Went to bed
And woke up...
It’s the flip side of the same gorgeous, engaging coin, and it’s more than just a placeholder while the next National album marinates--it stands shoulder to miserable, brilliant shoulder.
On Return to the Moon, their debut for 4AD, the duo play off each other’s strengths--Knopf’s kaleidoscopic art rock and Berninger’s impressionistic storytelling--to skim the best of both worlds.
This isn't a fully realised collaboration just yet, as there are a few filler tracks, but there is more than enough potential to suggest that if they get time and space to create more music together, EL VY could become more of a permanent project.
While Return to the Moon is good, it’s not the momentous occasion the next National album is sure to be. It is, however, a refreshing change of pace for its well-defined members.
While there's nothing here that suggests Berninger and Knopf are truly incompatible, there's equally little evidence that Knopf's spirited arrangements are suited to Berninger's spotlight-gargling word soup.
Fun album. Cool to hear Berninger's voice in front of funkier, poppier music than with The National. Really consistently good albumFun album. Cool to hear Berninger's voice in front of funkier, poppier music than with The National. Really consistently good album throughout. No Time To Crank The Sun, It's A Game, and Sad Case/Happiness are quite special tracks indeed. Grade: A…Expand
I was kinda worried about this album because I can't picture Matt outside of The National, but in the end his voice (mmmh that baritone)I was kinda worried about this album because I can't picture Matt outside of The National, but in the end his voice (mmmh that baritone) works with the poppy and jangly guitar bits provided by Brent Knopf. The synth touches placed here and there contribute to the dreamy atmosphere of the album.
It took me 4 or 5 thorough listens to really get into the mood of RTTM (the shadow of The National was looming over me) as I kept thinking 'oh boy, this album really sucks. Where are the good songs after Paul is Alive ? Where are the sultry arrangements, trademark of The National ?'
You really need to clear your head and let it flow. It's not a new National record nor a Menomena one. Once you do that, you realise that RTTM might be one of 2015's finest albums, light-hearted and serious at the same time. Definitely recommend it, especially to the P4K's critic who seemed a bit confused.…Expand
Solid release, it's been on pretty heavy rotation since I got it. There are really no dud songs on this one.
I was probably attracted toSolid release, it's been on pretty heavy rotation since I got it. There are really no dud songs on this one.
I was probably attracted to this album more from Menomena's Brent Knopf than the National's Matt Berninger since I know Menomena better. I'd say it has representative elements of each band and look forward to future collaborations.…Expand
I would guess that most people (like me) are checking this record out on the back of Berninger role as frontman of The National. Apart fromI would guess that most people (like me) are checking this record out on the back of Berninger role as frontman of The National. Apart from the unmistakable voice, EL VY are a completely different animal and of the 11 tracks on the album, I would say that only "No Time To Crank The Sun" is the only song that is reminiscent of The National. "Return to the Moon" has a feel of New Wave as well as garage rock. It doesn't bring anything new to either of those genres but is enjoyable none the less. More often than not, side projects are luxurys rather than necessities for members of bands who have made it big and you could say this about EL VY. "Return to the Moon" may not be crucial listening in a way that The National's best work is but having said this, there are songs present here that may never have seen the light of day with The National or with Brent Knopf's various work. That would be a shame. Enjoyable on many levels without being essential.…Expand
When we first listened to 'Return To The Moon', we expected a funny album. Then 'I'm The Man To Be' was released and we were still thinkingWhen we first listened to 'Return To The Moon', we expected a funny album. Then 'I'm The Man To Be' was released and we were still thinking that, but then the album is some sort of not so well connected songs that, though they sound pretty well and there's a good production work behind, it kind of feels like it was all designed to be like a scape valve for Matt Berninger (vocalist, from The National): Songs crafted to show a happy vibe although they actually end being dragged into "darkness" due to Matt's essence.
As I said, pretty good work, nice funny and kind of surrealistic lyrics, but I missed some songs that made me pay more attention to the album. It starts so well, then it falls into dullness and then kind of resurrects. That's why I'd actually give it a 6,5 out of 10.…Expand
I think that EL VY have some good ideas on this album, both instrumentally and lyrically. The problem is that these two areas clashI think that EL VY have some good ideas on this album, both instrumentally and lyrically. The problem is that these two areas clash horrendously at some points, with Matt's lyrics being quite melancholy and depressing on what are upbeat and punchy tracks. His baritone voice also doesn't really fit the music either, sounding quite hard to hear at points in the mix. Overall, this album wasn't bad by any sense, it just didn't quite meet the expectations that I had from the singles released. But hopefully they continue to write material and improve for their next release!…Expand
