Self-described as a pioneer of Americonica, Florida-based musician and visionary Tex Moonlight is far from your average guitar-coded project. In fact, we would describe it as an umbrella for aural euphoria and kinetic indie charge, all features that go hand-in-hand with Americonica’s dance-oriented character and eclectic charge. ‘Ape Shall Not Kill Ape’ is the perfect evidence of that. Marking Tex Moonlight’s latest effort, the song is as electrifying as it could be.
A fierce, stable drum beat develops a certain lo-fi flair, equally matched by gritty guitars and dry, groovy riffing. Moonlight’s bold and dynamic vocals crown the vocals with unmatched confidence and hidden playfulness. It’s pretty obvious that the inspiration for the record comes from the early 2000s, especially from dance-oriented, indie territories. Yet, the overall sound is always quite organic and dark, perhaps nodding to Tex Moonlight’s rock-laden influences from previous decades.
Beyond its euphoric aural character, the record also ships with a compelling music video directed by Jim Arbogast, a peculiar and playful visual retention of the song’s expansive lyrical theming. As we are told: “It offers viewers a rare chance to set their troubles aside and step into the vivid wonderland of a lost early-2000s aesthetic.” We feel as though that’s a timely choice, since the noughties have been creeping back up into popular culture for quite some time now.
Recommended! Discover ‘Ape Shall Not Kill Ape’ now: