The Miscellaneous' name is appropriate, as this group is an assorted lot, combining talent from around Europe. The album is as diverse as the members' nationalities, and each song has a very distinct personality and unique sound.
The most peculiar facet of Moth and Rust is the presence of two lead singers: one male, one female. Not just prominent BGVs, but a true exchange of lead-mic. Stef Loy handles the majority in this exchange, and brings a Waiting-esque vocal delivery to the plate, but adds enough passionate wail and oral contrast to create his own flavor. Sooi handles her lead and background vocals impressively, and gives a mature, rich performance. Her voice has a definite Celtic quality, reminiscent of The Cranberries and Sinead O'Connor, and is quite beautiful, sassy and soothing. This well-honed vocal teaming is coupled with thick guitars, airy percussion, quirky effects and indie rock hooks, to produce a gentle, yet moving, sound.
This album also boasts self-contained maturity. The album starts out simple - with a cliché pop-rock song or two - but then evolves sonically with every track that follows. As the project draws to a close, one may not be sure if they are still listening to the same band.
The breadth of talent and style offered and covered in 40 minutes is, quite frankly, astounding. Big props to The Miscellaneous for such a well-rounded display of personality and talent. Moth & Rust delivers thoughtful spiritual messages and thoughtful, artistic music. What a concept.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaThe Miscellaneous second release on Grey Dot has no sophomore slump. This Swedish alternative band rocks from start to finish. Trading vocals are Stef Loy and Sooi who both have fine rock alternative voices that keep the energy up, even when the song drags a little, and a couple of the songs near the end of the CD do drag a little. The band has written some good songs in the few years between…HM Magazine #79Reviewed by David BixlerIs it just me, or does Scandinavia put out a lot of good music? And though that area of the world is primarily known for more extreme bands, along the likes of the mighty Extol, Blindside, and Antestor, The Miscellaneous demonstrates that extreme music isn't the only quality music coming from there. The Miscellaneous plays a tight brand of, well, modern alternative rock, for lack of a better…Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by Sucré MusiqueThere is a prevalent indie-spirit on this third release from The Miscellaneous. This could be attributed to the fact that they chose to produce it themselves, even after having worked with Armand Petri on their last album. (Petri is known for his work with Sixpence, 10,000 Maniacs, and Goo Goo Dolls, and this should give you an indication of the quality of music that The Misc. are capable of…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Alex KlagesSwedish rockers The Miscellaneous has released their first album aimed at the North American market. While their previous album, All Good Weeds Grow Up, had a decent amount of success in Europe before US-based Gray Dot picked them up, there was very little promotion. The group doesn't tour much in North America and the sales of the album, while respectable, were weak. But this is a band that…Similar sounding releases
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