The AGP Review Board


The High Dials - Moon Country
Self Released

It was the winter of 2005 when I first heard Montreal's The High Dials, the band were receiving loads of critical praise and making it onto a lot of year end lists for there superb 2nd album The War of The Wakening Phantoms. Four years have passed, the band has since parted ways with there then label Rainbow Quartz and this time around have decided to release there latest album on there own.

Moon Country was recorded in a stone cottage in Sligo, on Ireland's west coast and in the bands hometown. Weather it was the location for witch they chose to record or a the natural progression from there last record The High Dials have delivered a pristine and powerful pop record and one of the most addictive song cycles I've heard in years. The psychedelic sounds they showcased on there 1st two releases are still present,however they're balanced with power pop in the vein of Big Star and Teenage Fanclub for there most focused and accessible album to date.


The album pays homage to the days of the LP by dividing it into two sides complete with a short track of silence in between Seagull Blues and Open Up The Gates. Just like those old black circles we used to play in our bedrooms as kids. Wait a minute I better be careful not show my age like that. One of the things I really like about this album is that it's the perfect blend of the bands strengths. On the first half of the album The High Dials deliver jubilant power pop and the latter half they let there psych tendencies run wild. The results are psych pop perfection.

Moon Country was released by The High Dials in Canada last September with assistance from Fontana Distribution. Although there are no plans for an official US release I highly recommend you seek this album out at one of the several digital shops currently offering it.

I am pleased to be able to offer the Moon Country full album stream. I'll keep this up as long as I can, and as long it's OK with the band and there management.




Buy this album:
Zunior.com
Mapple Music
Apollo Audio

The High Dials/myspace