On their first new release since 2004, Luna has returned with a covers album and an instrumental EP. The covers album is way more interesting, as Luna has always had an interesting taste in covers; this disc features such gems as GNR’s “Sweet Child ‘O Mine” and Beat Happening’s classic “Indian Summer,” which they almost manage to make their own.
The Cure’s “Fire In Cairo” kicks things off and immediately sounds like Luna of old: very mellow but kind of hurried at the same time. This mix is just one of the things that always made them one of the cooler indie bands of the ‘90s. “Friends” is just okay; it almost feels a bit too bright and sunny for a band that often comes across as very moody. “One Together,” an early Fleetwood Mac cut, gets the band back on track. It’s very cool and just the right pace, catchy and designed to get stuck in your head.
Dylan’s late ‘80s gem “Most Of The Time” is another great song and one that the band can really sink their teeth into. Bowie’s “Letter To Hermione” comes across very brief and seems like an interlude that didn’t need to be there. It never feels like it does what it’s supposed to do.
“(Walkin’ Through The) Sleepy City,” a song written by Jagger/Richards but never really used as a Stones song, is an absolute dream, perfect from start to finish. It’s one of the dreamiest moments I’ve heard all year. The closing track, a cover of their friends in Mercury Rev’s “Car Wash Hair,” is very drone-y and feels a bit like classic ‘90s shoegaze and excellent alternative rock at the same time.
All in all, this release is a very interesting comeback but one that feels like it should’ve happened a long time ago. Hopefully we’ll get some new originals in the near future; this is an excellent place to begin again.
