Pure Bathing Culture
Moon Tides
Reviewed by: Stephen Krock
In the case of the perfectly sweet sounding Moon Tides by Pure Bathing Culture, I shall employ the common managerial device known as a “compliment sandwich.” Wherein you start with something good, throw in room for improvement, and then end with more good.
First the good: The vocals are always pleasant, like Zooey Deschanel got really baked and then started singing down an echo-y hallway. And they blend in nicely with the mandolin-esque strings and 60s folk melodies painted over modern production. It’s easy, breezy, beautiful. The first two times anyway. It’s the same sound until 2/3 of the way through the album when things finally spice up. Somewhat. The R&B flavored “Scotty” is a fine change of pace. As is “Seven to One,” which is straight up modern dreamy alternapop.
Moon Tides is nice to listen to, but once it’s over, it’s over. There’s not much reason to go back. Unless maybe you need a Valium.
Rating: Semi-obnoxious
