O & The Mo – Make Way For The Sun

Review

With "Make Way For The Sun", the duo O & The Mo constructs a sonic architecture that feels less like a strict composition and more like a meditative drift through the Wakapuaka Valley where it was conceived. The record operates on a fascinating intersection of sunbaked psych-folk and the cinematic expanse of spaghetti western soundtracks, creating a dialogue between the arid and the lush. Tracks such as "The High" and the contemplative "Icarus" showcase this duality, balancing acoustic intimacy with post-production enhancements that elevate the listening experience into something nearly spiritual. Olive Gallagher’s vocal delivery, oscillating between raspy textures and muscular assertions, anchors these explorations, suggesting that the human voice is merely another instrument in the ecosystem of sound. One might ask if the music is shaping the environment, or if the environment has inevitably shaped the music.

The album navigates the complexities of existence—spiritual coexistence and our navigation through a shifting world—by utilizing a vocabulary of neo-psychedelic warmth and synth-disco boogie. It draws parallels to the work of Khruangbin, yet establishes its own identity through striding basslines and guitar work that floats effortlessly between dream-pop and dub-funk. The title track, "Make Way For The Sun", along with the soothing closer "But I Do", exemplifies a rare confidence, celebrating the harmony between humanity and the natural world with an inviting playfulness. It is a work that feels expansive and richly textured, despite relying on relatively straightforward instrumentation. Does this deliberate simplicity allow us to see the sun more clearly, or does it merely warm the skin while leaving the soul to ponder its own shadows? - Ingrid