Written by: Max Bennett
Philly’s own Mo Lowda & the Humble have been at it for more than a decade. Since 2013, they’ve been dropping indie rock tunes and touring extensively.
Now, they are on what should be considered a victory lap following the release of their fifth studio album, Tailing the Ghost, out June 20.
With 11 tracks, Tailing clocks in at a reasonable 41 minutes. In that time, the band shows off with introspective and hopeful lyricism from frontman Jordan Caiola, effect-drenched guitars by axemen Kirby Sybert, Jeff Lucci and Caiola himself, and drums so tight you’d think they’re programmed courtesy of drummer Shane Woods.
The LP kicks off with “Fitzroy,” which is arguably the most “rock and roll” of the track list. “25 Years” and “Northside Violet” also bring out the band’s more traditional rock sound, with “Northside” featuring some truly chest-thumping heaviness toward the end. The effects applied to the bass and guitar bring out such deep tones, you might think a damn tuba player was brought in for tracking. That same feeling comes out again in “Postman.”
Mo Lowda, in general throughout Tailing, employs a lighter touch, embodied not by big chords and crunchy distortion, but by thoughtful guitar licks that slap with echo and create a sense of mystery with theremin-like effects.
What listeners to Tailing should know is that most of the songs were tracked live in studio, according to Woods. When a band can pull that off to the effect Mo Lowda does, they deserve all the flowers.
When it comes to what the album says, literally, Mo Lowda offers up poignant lyrics that, while clearly personal to Caiola, include themes most people can appreciate.
In “Take the Bait,” Caiola croons, “thank god for my brother” for giving their mom a grandson. He continues on about his nephew:
“And I see that kid light up like it’s Christmas Day at least half the year
I hope I still find that kind of light when it’s all darkness here”
The light and dark motif returns in “To Keep Sane in the Dark.”
That lyric brought me to tears as I ran along the Delaware River in the early morning sun Friday.
Another line from “The Painter” should be considered a maxim:
“Patience, it’s a hell of a drug, but nobody has enough.”
The title track, “Tailing the Ghost,” brings the 2025 LP to a close. The verse features deft bass work from either Sybert, Lucci or Caiola (all of whom take turns on guitar and bass), and a snare-filled groove by Woods.
The roughly last two minutes of the song, and ultimately the album, are without lyrics. The guitars, drums and bass carry you into the closing, and almost tease a crescendo. But that crescendo never materializes, and instead we’re left with a sort of cliffhanger that leaves the listener wondering: What will Mo Lowda & the Humble do next?
We can’t wait to find out.
And check out Mo Lowda & the Humble live at Union Transfer Saturday, Nov. 22.
Mo Lowda & the Humble
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