2008
 

3 out of 5

Hailing from Woodbridge, N.J., Delft recently released their second official release via free download. The five-piece band fits well into the emerging subgenre made popular by the likes of Kaddisfly and Circa Survive, employing reverb heavy guitar, strong almost-pop-punk-melodies, and post-rock atmospherics. We here at SBP have somewhat sardonically dubbed it "nu-prog," as with the emergence of these and similar bands prog seems to be enjoying the popular reinterpretation that metal did in the late '90s. But at least here, the musicianship and lyrical content usually goes beyond repetitive drop-D riffage and contrived frat-boy whining. But I digress.

Clocking in at only about 15 minutes, Moose.indian begins with the thrilling buildup of "Design," which settles into slower ambient pop passages with a climactic chorus full of dredg-inspired guitar noise and tortured vocal hooks, reminiscent of a more controlled Chino Moreno of Deftones and Team Sleep fame.

"Skin and Apples," evokes the more cheery moments of the first Abandoned Pools record and even hints of Minus the Bear with its whimsical keyboard melodies and clean guitar arpeggios. This upbeat and uplifting approach continues into the closer, the ambitious "A Measured Miles End," which starts off ambient and buids into a triumphant anthem, complete with a children's chorus repeating the song's main hook.

Although Delft wear their influences on their collective sleeve, they have managed to put together a short but sweet collection of tunes that will have both pop-punk and prog fans at least casually bobbing their heads in unison to the band's tuneful and well-thought-out songs.
 

Point of Reference: a toned-down Kaddisfly without the lame vocals
Standout track: A Measured Miles End