Blush (Moose Blood album)

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Blush
Studio album by
Moose Blood
Released5 August 2016 (2016-08-05)
RecordedNovember–December 2015
StudioThe Cottage, Los Angeles, California
GenreEmo,[1] pop punk[2]
Length35:29
LabelHopeless, No Sleep
ProducerBeau Burchell
Moose Blood chronology
I'll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time
(2014) 		Blush
(2016) 		I Don't Think I Can Do This Anymore
(2018)
Singles from Blush
  1. "Knuckles"
    Released: 31 January 2017

Blush is the second studio album by British emo band Moose Blood. It is their last release to feature drummer Glenn Harvey before his departure in 2017.

Background and recording[edit]

In April 2014, Moose Blood signed to independent label No Sleep.[3] According to vocalist/guitarist Eddy Brewerton, the band were offered "some amazing tours that were too good to say no to", and as a result all of the members quit their jobs to focus on touring[4] in September and October.[5] While still touring that October, the band released their debut album, I'll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time.[6] Subsequent touring helped the band members become aware of their strengths and weaknesses, as guitarist Mark E. Osbourne explains: "[Touring] just made us play better together ... and as a unit, we’re just tighter through playing and touring so much."[5] In July 2015, Brewerton mentioned that the group was "throwing some ideas about" and was planning to "sit down and start properly writing" following appearances at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.[7]

Prior to recording, the band sent demos to producer Beau Burchell, who had produced their debut album, to give him a rough idea of the band's future direction.[5] Recording for Blush began in November 2015 at The Cottage, located in Los Angeles, California.[8] While in the studio, Burchell pushed the group to create an album that would top their debut.[5] Burchell also handled recording and mixing. Acoustic versions of "Honey" and "Sway" were recorded at The Clubhouse with Ricky Beetlestone.[8] In early December, the band announced they had finished recording.[9] Mastering took place at Azimuth Mastering.[8]

Composition[edit]

Osborne and Brewerton would write material together before showing it to the rest of the band during practice sessions. From there, they would turn it into a full-band song.[10] The band faced pressure while writing Blush. Brewerton explained: "we started thinking about that [the pressure of writing a follow-up] too much. We just tried to do everything the best we could ... and worked harder on the songs."[4] A few of the album's songs were written prior to recording;[11] most of them were written as the recording process was underway, which allowed the band to be more creative.[12]

The group spent more time crafting the songs according to Brewerton, instead of simply "sticking some ideas together and settling with that".[13] Touring was a major influence during writing, according to Osbourne: "because you spend time away from the people important to you."[10] While some of songs on band's debut album dealt with Brewerton meeting his wife, some of the songs on Blush were about "being away from family."[4] The group wanted to include "proper choruses this time", something they thought was lacking on I'll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time.[13]

According to Brewerton, "Pastel" follows on from their debut album's opening track "Cherry". "Cherry" is about getting engaged, whereas "Pastel" "comes around and I’m actually married".[13] According to Osborne, the lyrics for "Honey" were inspired by a girl that was "messing me around while being on tour."[14] "Knuckles" is about when Brewerton met his wife and knowing that "you have found someone who is perfect for you straightaway."[12] "Sway" came about from a jam session; Brewerton went outside to smoke and heard the rest of the band playing the song. He was initially annoyed according to Osbourne, saying he wasn't going to play guitar on the song. Brewerton explained: "Only 'cause it sounded great without me!"[10]

Release[edit]

On 1 April 2016, the band released a teaser video, hinting that their next album would be released in the summer.[15] On 14 April, the band announced they had signed to Hopeless Records.[16] Four days later, Blush was announced for release, and the album's artwork and track listing was revealed. On the same day, a music video was released for "Honey",[17] directed by Lewis Cater.[18] Mischa Pearlman of TeamRock called it "a parody video which features an updated (and presumably English) version of a typical American nuclear family."[19] Also in April, the band went on a tour of the UK with The Winter Passing and Greywind.[20] Following a premier on BBC Radio 1, "Knuckles" was made available for streaming on 2 June.[21] A week later, a music video was released for the song,[22] directed by Cater.[23] In July, the band went on a headlining tour of the US.[24] On 21 July, "Sulk" was made available for streaming.[25] On 2 August, "Cheek" was made available for streaming.[26]

Blush was released on 5 August[22] through Hopeless and No Sleep. The HMV edition included "Loome" and acoustic versions of "Honey" and "Sway" as bonus tracks.[8] Shortly afterwards, the band performed a series of intimate shows in the UK.[27] Later in August, the band went on a tour of Australia.[22] On 13 September, acoustic versions of "Glow" and "Knuckles" were released as joint single under the name Stay Beautiful.[28] From mid-September to early October, the band went on a tour of Europe with Pup and Luca Brasi. Following this, the band went on a tour of the UK with Boston Manor and Turnover.[29] From mid October to late November, the band supported The Wonder Years on their tour of the US.[30] On 24 October, a music video was released for "Cheek". The video was filmed at The Studio at Webster Hall in New York City.[31] In January and February 2017, the band supported A Day to Remember on their tour of the UK and Europe.[32]

On 31 January 2017, "Knuckles" was released to US modern rock radio stations.[33] In February and March, the band toured across the US with support from Trophy Eyes, Boston Manor and A Will Away.[34]

Reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[35]
idobi10/10[2]
Kerrang!4/5[36]
Punknews.org[37]
Rock Sound9/10[1]
Stereoboard[38]
Upset[39]

Blush received mostly positive reviews from critics. In a positive review Neil Yeung of AllMusic said that "everything here hits harder — both in terms of musicianship and sentiment — providing a fine balance of anthems and raw confessionals".[35]

Rock Sound ranked the album at number 6 on their top releases of 2016 list.[40] Alternative Press included the album on their 30 best albums of 2016 list.[41]

Track listing[edit]

No.TitleLength
1."Pastel"3:11
2."Honey"3:28
3."Knuckles"3:45
4."Sulk"3:10
5."Glow"3:38
6."Cheek"3:50
7."Sway"3:12
8."Shimmer"3:42
9."Spring"3:14
10."Freckle"4:19

Bonus tracks

HMV bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
11."Loome"3:16
12."Honey" (acoustic)3:22
13."Sway" (acoustic)2:54

Personnel[edit]

Personnel per booklet.[8]

Charts[edit]

Chart (2016) Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[42] 13
UK Albums (OCC)[43] 10
US Billboard 200[44] 175
US Billboard Vinyl Albums[45] 3

References[edit]

Citations

  1. ^ a b McLaughlin, David (4 August 2016). "Moose Blood - 'Blush'". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 5 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  2. ^ a b Devotta, Sam (11 August 2016). "Album Review: Moose Blood – Blush". idobi. idobi Network LLC. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  3. ^ Huntington, Kyle (16 April 2014). "Moose Blood Join No Sleep Records- News Article". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  4. ^ a b c Sharma 2016, p. 8
  5. ^ a b c d Shulter, Ali (13 January 2016). "Moose Blood talk album two: "We went in real hard on this one"". DIY. Sonic Media Group. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  6. ^ Rock Sound (2 July 2014). "Stream A New Moose Blood Track + Get All The Info On Their New Album". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  7. ^ Magid, Morgan (8 July 2015). "Interview with Moose Blood: The Warped Canterbury Tales". The Aquarian Weekly. Diane Casazza, Chris Farinas. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  8. ^ a b c d e Blush (Booklet). Moose Blood. Hopeless/No Sleep. 2016. HR2229-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ^ Munro, Scott (7 December 2015). "Moose Blood finish album no.2". TeamRock. Team Rock Limited. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  10. ^ a b c McMahon ed. 2016 (1644), p. 41
  11. ^ McGrath, Ryan (20 July 2016). "An Interview with Moose Blood: Making Me Blush". The Aquarian Weekly. Diane Casazza, Chris Farinas. Archived from the original on 2 October 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  12. ^ a b Brewerton 2016, p. 12
  13. ^ a b c McMahon ed. 2016 (1630), p. 51
  14. ^ Osborne 2016, p. 14
  15. ^ Ralph, Caitlyn (1 April 2016). "Moose Blood unveil new song teaser, new music timeline". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  16. ^ Stam, Janneke (14 April 2016). "Moose Blood Have Signed To Hopeless Records". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  17. ^ O'Neill, Christina (18 April 2016). "Moose Blood detail Blush". TeamRock. Team Rock Limited. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  18. ^ Hopeless Records (18 April 2016). Moose Blood - Honey (Official Music Video). YouTube. Archived from the original on 11 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  19. ^ Pearlman, Mischa (22 April 2016). "Six Of The Best New Songs This Week". TeamRock. Team Rock Limited. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  20. ^ Stam, Janneke (4 April 2016). "Moose Blood Will Release New Music This Summer". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  21. ^ Ralph, Caitlyn (2 June 2016). "Stream Moose Blood's new song "Knuckles"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  22. ^ a b c Munro, Scott (9 June 2016). "Moose Blood release Knuckles video". TeamRock. Team Rock Limited. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  23. ^ Hopeless Records (8 June 2016). Moose Blood - Knuckles (Official Music Video). YouTube. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  24. ^ Ralph, Caitlyn (28 April 2016). "Moose Blood announce headlining tour". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  25. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (21 July 2016). "Moose Blood Song Premiere: Stream 'Sulk' From 'Blush' Album". Fuse.tv. Fuse Networks, LLC. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  26. ^ Biddulph, Andy (2 August 2016). "Moose Blood Just Dropped A Total Anthem". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  27. ^ TeamRock (17 July 2016). "Moose Blood line up UK dates". TeamRock. Team Rock Limited. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  28. ^ "Stay Beautiful - Single by Moose Blood". iTunes. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  29. ^ Frankel, Ricky (22 May 2016). "Moose Blood/Pup/Boston Manor/Luca Brasi (Europe)". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on 30 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  30. ^ Sharp, Tyler (15 August 2016). "The Wonder Years, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, others announce tour". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  31. ^ Biddulph, Andy (24 October 2016). "Moose Blood's New Video Will Make You Want To Be In A Band". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  32. ^ Wilce, Tamsyn (5 October 2016). "Neck Deep + Moose Blood Have Announced Even MORE Dates With ADTR". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  33. ^ "Future Releases on Alternative Radio Stations". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 19 January 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  34. ^ Dickman, Maggie (30 November 2016). "Moose Blood announce tour with Trophy Eyes, Boston Manor, A Will Away". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  35. ^ a b Yeung, Neil Z. "Blush - Moose Blood". AllMusic. RhythmOne Group. Archived from the original on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  36. ^ McMahon ed. 2016 (1630), p. 50
  37. ^ Jon (17 August 2016). "Moose Blood - Blush". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  38. ^ Baines, Huw (15 August 2016). "Moose Blood - Blush (Album Review)". Stereoboard. Eyedigit Limited. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  39. ^ Shulter, Ali (4 August 2016). "Moose Blood - Blush". Upset. The Bunker Publishing. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  40. ^ Rock Sound (31 December 2016). "Rock Sound's Top Releases Of 2016: 10-01". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  41. ^ AltPress (23 December 2016). "The 30 best albums of 2016". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. p. 2. Archived from the original on 27 December 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  42. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  43. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  44. ^ "Moose Blood Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  45. ^ "Vinyl Albums : August 27, 2016". billboard.com. 9 December 2014. Archived from the original on 31 December 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2016.

Sources

  • Brewerton, Eddy (9 July 2016). McMahon, James (ed.). "The Official Kerrang! Rock Chart". Kerrang! (1627). London: Bauer Media Group. ISSN 0262-6624.
  • McMahon, James, ed. (30 July 2016). "Reviews". Kerrang! (1630). London: Bauer Media Group. ISSN 0262-6624.
  • McMahon, James, ed. (5 November 2016). "Reader Take Over!". Kerrang! (1644). London: Bauer Media Group. ISSN 0262-6624.
  • Osborne, Mark (11 June 2016). McMahon, James (ed.). "The Official Kerrang! Rock Chart". Kerrang! (1623). London: Bauer Media Group. ISSN 0262-6624.
  • Sharma, Amit (23 April 2016). McMahon, James (ed.). "Moose Blood Mania". Kerrang! (1616). London: Bauer Media Group. ISSN 0262-6624.
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