Miracles of Modern Science’s Dog Year [7.3]

Miracles of Modern Science (@wearemoms), the “orchestral space pop” quintet from Brooklyn, are starting to make some real noise with the release of their debut full-length album Dog Year. I can count myself among the lucky number of people who are familiar with the band’s previously released EP, and I’m happy to report that Dog Year successfully delivers on the amazing potential that their earlier effort displayed.

MOMS (how cool of an abbreviation is that?) are not your average indie lineup. There are plenty of strings, but not one of them is a guitar — there’s double bass, cello, violin, mandolin, and percussion. The components are certainly unique, but the energy they create is in tune with the folk music revitalization catching everyone’s attention. MOMS proves you don’t need swirling synths or crunchy guitars to tap into an indie rock fan base.

“Friend of the Animals” truly showcases all of MOMS’ best assets. Vocally, it features thick harmonies and a melody that is brilliantly yelled when the band sings together. It also includes quirky lyrics that have come to be a signature element in MOMS songs: “If you don’t want to love me, I got kittens, I got puppies.” The song begins by demonstrating the band’s obvious folk/country roots and expertly moves between reserved, controlled moments and high-energy, foot-stomping tempos that are virtually impossible to be still to. MOMS certainly has a great command over both quiet and loud moments, a talent further displayed in songs like “I Found Space” and “Tensity.”

Songs that also appeared on MOMS’ self-titled EP sound a bit different on Dog Year — several elements, such as the lushness of the bass and cello combination on “Eating Me Alive”, were certainly there on the first release, but they are now a more pronounced, defined part of the sound. While “MR2” has been given new name, “MOMS AWAY!”, its percussive, string-based riffs are still the perfect album opener and a great introduction to MOMS. “Luminol”, though more lush than the original as well, is still easily their best song, with the best opening line: “I can hardly see you, over all this noise.”

MOMS’ most valuable asset may also be their greatest hindrance. While they have managed to create a unique sound, finding variation within that sound has proven to be a bit more difficult. Given that this is their first LP, though, they still have plenty of time to develop true variety, and Dog Year will easily draw fans to their live shows. With such a supportive foundation, the only place they can go is up.