Rob's Album of The Week: Moga's Reservoir

Providence's music scene is a great cournicopia of bands that play tunes stemming from various genres and styles, each making a sound so unique that they become acquainted with it and identified by it. The same has to go for bluesy, swamp rockers Moga and their second album, Reservoir. Groovy rhythms, classic riffs and bassist Ollie Williams' rustic, soulful voice gives the record a jubuliant quality to it that makes you feel like you can jam it out at your neighborhood block party and have people dancing in no time. A fantastic album that comes straight from the heart with songs that will just put you in a good mood while you crack open a cold one.

If your wondering what Moga means, its just a combination of the first initials of 4 members of the band to create a funky name. Other than Williams plucking the bass and belting his heart out with every song, Greg Mallozzi and Reilly Graham play two excellent electric guitars, Max Fisher is on the drums and Al Pendergrass is on the keys. Together these guys play some magnificent laid back rock & roll, reminding me of The Basement Tapes Bob Dylan & The Band did back in the mid-70's. Reservoir is a beautiful example of that, music that just makes you want to relax and chill out but at the same time something you can boogie to.




- Rob Duguay

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It's that part of the blog again where I pick some tracks that I absolutely love, but it's always more difficult than it sounds. Especially with music like this where every song is amazing, but anyways here goes something: "Boots" is all about the girl that everybody wants being chased around by every boy in the city, featuring spectacular skills from Pendergrass on the keys to highlight the track. "Hello Moon" pays homage to the two big orbs in the sky that we see everyday, the sun and the moon. Makes you want to throw a party with your friends and some good brews while shuffling your feet to every note, as well as showcasing a great guitar solo near the end of the track. "Cold White Winter" is an awesome blues ballad about how your all cooped up inside while you're hoping that lost love of yours is doing alright while at the same time hoping they're doing miserable because they never call, another example of Williams' booming, howling voice. "Sugar Go Home" is a anthem for any dog lover out there about when you come home from work and man's best friend comes running looking for a bone but you don't have one so you have to send the canine on it's way, really jumpy rhythms that make you want to dance accent the track. Don't just take my word for it, go on Moga's bandcamp page and download a copy of the album and listen in for yourself.

Moga will be playing at The Ocean Mist's BBQ Bluegrass Festival in Matunuck, RI this Saturday on September 8th,The Red Door in Portsmouth, NH on September 13th, The Rhode Island Seafood Festival at India Point Park in Providence on September 15th and The Met in Pawtucket on October 6th. Plenty of chances to check out one of the best bands in Providence, until then get your self a copy of Reservoir. It's music that's good for the soul and will make you lose control.