A Journey to the Moon and Back: MoonShroom’s “Take A Trip” is a Sonic Celebration
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
There’s a certain magic that happens when musicians, so finely attuned to each other on stage, step into the studio. For Kansas City’s MoonShroom, that magic wasn’t just captured—it was magnified. Their debut album, Take A Trip, is not merely a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to a party, a joyous celebration of roots, grooves, and the sheer exhilaration of creating something new together. Known for their high-energy live shows that seamlessly meld bluegrass, rock and roll, and a touch of the otherworldly, MoonShroom’s Lily B Moonflower, Jake Keegan, Zach Bozeman, and Colby Allen Walter have successfully translated their infectious on-stage chemistry into a vibrant studio recording that feels as expansive as it does intimate.
The album, recorded live at Element Recording in Kansas City, vibrates with the tangible energy of four musicians in a room, feeding off one another’s performances. This “live” approach was a deliberate choice, and it pays off handsomely. You can hear the nuanced interplay between Lily B Moonflower’s expressive guitar and vocals and Jake Keegan’s intricate dobro work. The rhythmic foundation laid by Zach Bozeman’s upright bass and Colby Allen Walter’s mandolin and electric guitar work is both tight and effortlessly groovy. It’s this collective conversation that truly defines the MoonShroom sound, a “Grassadelic Twang” that’s both deeply rooted in tradition and reaching for the stars.
The song “Waves of Love,” a standout track and the album’s final single, exemplifies this unique blend. Inspired by a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, the waltzing tune is a sweet, personified ode to the dynamics of a relationship. Keegan’s lyrics, which describe the waves and the sand as two lovers tied to each other “without possession, or dependency,” paint a picture that is as poetic as it is relatable. The song’s mellow, swaying rhythm feels just as at home on a beach as it would in the mountains, a testament to the band’s ability to create a mood that transcends genre and location.
But Take A Trip isn’t just a gentle wade in the water. It’s a full-on plunge. From the opening notes of “Sunflower State of Mind” to the celebratory closing moments of “Party on the Moon,” the album is a testament to the band’s diverse influences and collective songwriting. Tracks like “More with the Miles” and “Drivin’ Through the Night” pulse with a kinetic, road-trip energy, while “Somewhere on a Mountain” and “Weekend with Me” offer moments of serene, folk-infused reflection. Each song feels like a different stop on a grand journey, a tapestry woven with personal stories, shared experiences, and a universal sense of wanderlust.
MoonShroom’s debut is a resounding success because it does what so many first albums struggle to do: it captures the essence of the band’s identity without sacrificing the spontaneity that makes them so compelling live. This isn’t just an introduction; it’s a declaration. A promise of many more trips to come.
Track Listing:
- Sunflower State of Mind
- More with the Miles
- Take a Trip
- Somewhere on a Mountain
- Drivin’ Through the Night
- Waves of Love
- Do the Damn Thing
- Livin’ the Dream
- Weekend with Me
- Party on the Moon
Review:
MoonShroom – Take A Trip
Rating: ★★★★½
MoonShroom’s debut, Take A Trip, is an exhilarating, genre-bending ride. The Kansas City quartet, comprised of Lily B Moonflower, Jake Keegan, Zach Bozeman, and Colby Allen Walter, has managed to bottle the lightning of their live performances and unleash it in a studio album that is both technically impressive and overflowing with genuine emotion. The decision to record live was a masterstroke; it imbues the entire record with a raw, undeniable energy that is often lost in more polished productions.
The album’s title track, “Take a Trip,” is a sonic microcosm of the band’s mission statement, blending rock and bluegrass effortlessly. Similarly, “Do the Damn Thing” and “Party on the Moon” are anthems of unbridled joy, showcasing the band’s knack for writing hooks that stick. Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, travel, and the pursuit of a dream, with each song feeling like a page from a collective diary. Lily B Moonflower and Jake Keegan’s vocal harmonies are a particular highlight, weaving together to create a sound that is as unique as it is beautiful.
While the album is rich with instrumental prowess, with standout solos and intricate conversation between the mandolin, dobro, and guitars, it never feels like a show of technicality for its own sake. The musicianship always serves the song. Take A Trip is a triumph of collective artistry and a stellar introduction to a band poised to become a major force in the Americana landscape. If their live shows are anything like this album, they are truly something to behold. This is a must-listen for anyone looking for a fresh, vibrant take on roots music.