I think what I like most about Moon Tapes is that they aren’t really terribly unique – but they fill a niche, and they seem to know it. “A Little Bit of Paris” is a prime example of this; jangly, upbeat music underscoring pessimistic lyrics about the desire to be happy where “it’s sad there’s only one place like this” is keenly familiar.
There is indeed a warm staccato style of bass and guitar sound here which is highly reminiscent of the Smiths at their peak – Moon Tapes has mastered this particular brand of textured aural and emotional complexity, but give it their own unique spin. There isn’t quite Morrissey’s lyrical dexterity, but the plaintive angst vocalist Joep Meyer brings to the song is spot-on. Essentially, this is the Smiths without the hubris; as soon as I heard this, I was interested in finding more. If Johnny Marr style guitar and adroit, if melancholy, vocals appeal to you, you may quite enjoy Moon Tapes and their take on the sadder side of alternative music.
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