Moon Duo, a side project of Wooden Shjips members Sanae Yamada and Ripley Johnson, do not stray far from the musical stylings of their parent band. What is somewhat unusual about this particular project, however, is that it’s better than the original band. It’s hard to believe, but the half hour of drone rock found on Escape is superior to most of what Wooden Shjips have released thus far. Full of mystery and trance-inducing psychedelics, this release makes Moon Duo the better half for its members, and gives fans of krautrock an enjoyable early year release.

The four tracks on Escape, all running between six and eight minutes long, each get a chance to slowly move around the basic rhythm they start in, without veering too far from the point. “Motorcycle I Love You” opens the EP with a slow drum beat and calm bass riff. The fuzzy guitar melody sets in quickly, along with foggy distant vocals. The rhythm section remains constant, though guitar solos come and go throughout, each being rampant and unorganized in a way that adds some well-placed messiness to the clean pace of the song. The almost Middle Eastern rhythm of “Motorcycle, I Love You” quickly becomes something of the past on “In the Trees.” Instead, the song sounds more like something you’d expect from The Velvet Underground, who clearly had more of an influence on Moon Duo than on Wooden Shjips. The constant distorted melody plays behind more subdued guitar playing, and the vocals sound tired and distant. Though the song builds up slightly in the intensity of the guitar solo, the volume never threatens to overwhelm the mellow feel of the album. “Stumbling 22nd St.” is the most interesting song with the best riff to play off. The fact that this riff changes throughout the song, giving it an actual chance to develop, is refreshing. The upbeat nature of “Escape” gives the release an interesting overall feel in its variety. While maintaining its state of calm, Escape has great moments of guitar rock and catchy melodies that carry it past previous Moon Duo efforts.

There can be little doubt that those who have enjoyed any Wooden Shjips release would find Moon Duo to be a nice helping of what is essentially more of the same. If you found Wooden Shjips to be on the dull side though, you’ll be happy to know that, as Moon Duo, Yamada and Johnson have struck a richer, more impressive sound. Escape provides a healthy example of what the members of Moon Duo are capable of. Hopefully, this will be the project they stick with.

Track List:
1. Motorcycle, I Love You
2. In the Trees
3. Stumbling 22nd St.
4. Escape