Artist: Dead Moon Album: Crack in the System

Year: 1994
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Dead Moon's Crack in the System

Dead Moon is a band that is often overlooked in the annals of music history, but the impact they have had on the punk rock scene is undeniable. The band, formed in 1987 in Clackamas, Oregon, was made up of husband and wife team Fred and Toody Cole and drummer Andrew Loomis. They recorded and released their music independently, producing a body of work that is now considered classic. One of their most celebrated albums is Crack in the System, released in 1994. The album is a testament to the band's DIY ethos and musicianship. Through this review, we'll take a closer look at the album and attempt to shed some light on this great band's contribution to music history.

The music on Crack in the System can be described as punk rock meets garage rock, with a touch of country rock thrown in for good measure. The album includes 10 tracks, all of which are fast-paced and furiously energetic. Each song has its own distinct character, with memorable guitar riffs and catchy lyrics. The reverb-laden guitar sound that is evident throughout the album can be attributed to the fact that it was recorded in the band's basement. The album's lo-fi recording adds a raw and edgy quality to the music, which is typical of Dead Moon's style.

The standout tracks on Crack in the System include Fire in the Western World, Down to the Dogs, and On Another Plane. Each of these songs captures the spirit of the album perfectly, with driving beats and Fred Cole's passionate vocals. Fire in the Western World features a fantastic guitar solo, which showcases the band's musicianship. On Another Plane is a slower number that reminds us of the band's country rock influences. Toody Cole takes over the vocals on this track, adding another dimension to the music.

One of the things that makes Crack in the System innovative is the way that the album flows seamlessly from one track to the next. It's almost as if the album is one long song, broken up into ten parts. This is highlighted on tracks like Cast Will Change, which features an instrumental section that leads directly into the next track, Walking on My Grave. The album's cohesive nature is a testament to the band's musical prowess and their ability to craft a well-rounded album.

Despite the rave reviews that Crack in the System received upon its release, the album is not without its faults. Some of the tracks on the album feel a little samey, particularly when compared to other Dead Moon albums. Additionally, the lo-fi production, while adding to the rawness of the music, can make some of the tracks sound a little muddy. However, these criticisms are minor when compared to the overall quality of the album.

Crack in the System is a fantastic album that showcases the best of Dead Moon's sound. The band's punk rock and garage rock influences are present throughout each track, and the album's cohesiveness is a testament to the band's musical ability. While the lo-fi production may not be to everyone's taste, it adds a certain charm to the music that is difficult to resist. Overall, Crack in the System is a classic album that deserves to be rediscovered by new generations of music fans.