Hyde Out - Moonfactory
The latest record by Hyde Out, Moonfactory, dives deep into alt-rock with a dash of classic Britpop charm and shoegaze influences, creating an immersive and multi-layered listening experience. The London-based duo Omar Merlo and Jaka Levstek artfully craft each track to balance dynamic intensity and reflective melancholy, resulting in an album that feels equally introspective and anthemic. Moonfactory channels the indie music scene’s raw, genre-blending spirit, embracing everything from bittersweet balladry to electrifying riffs and experimental production. The album opens with Oblivious, a bittersweet introduction that sets a reflective tone. The song’s cyclic chord patterns flow seamlessly over a carefully crafted stereo field, immersing the listener in lush layers of sound. This dynamic mix grows as the track progresses, giving the listener a hint of what’s to come in the album's darker, more intense tracks. Oblivious would feel right at home in the soundtrack of a dramatic, romantic film, like Blue Valentine, where its heartfelt energy could underscore a scene of heartbreak and memory. Following the opener, another standout track is Dedicated to the Ones Who Want Me Dead, which immediately pulls the album into a darker, edgier realm. The chorus brims with rich overdriven guitar tones and subtle fuzz, lending a texture reminiscent of Bon Jovi’s grittier moments but with a modern alt-rock twist. This track is dark and upbeat, an anthem with teeth, and one that could fit effortlessly into a grand reunion scene, like something from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, where tension and longing culminate. Games We Play shifts the album’s pace, slowing down into a more introspective space with its Britpop backbone and lush, dreamlike textures. The song’s vivid dynamic range allows for an emotional buildup that, while subdued, resonates deeply. It’s the kind of track that evokes a late-night drive, lost in thought, as the rhythm softly pulses. Moonfactory by Hyde Out is a perfect fit for indie alternative playlists One of the standout experiments on the album, Firefly combines upbeat grooves with unique modulation effects, making it both danceable and introspective. Its syncopated beats and hypnotic rhythms create a cyclic energy that feels cinematic, perfect for moments of escape. Meanwhile, Cityscape 49 veers toward the futuristic, with offbeat production choices and high-frequency harmonics piercing through the harmonic bed, lending it a gritty, textured feel. The intelligent phrasing of the lyrics complements the track’s industrial edge, painting a vivid image of a cityscape buzzing with life. Kryptonite revives the album’s high energy with a burst of rhythm and drive, embodying Hyde Out’s hard rock spirit and making it an ideal driving song. Its punchy tempo and soaring guitar tones make it a perfect pick for moments of movement and freedom. Following closely, Go High goes all-in with a wall of distorted guitars and riff-based songwriting, climaxing in killer guitar solos that give the track a fierce edge. The album closes with a reprised version of Oblivious, now reimagined with an orchestral arrangement that includes strings, choir, and synths. The addition of these elements elevates the song, giving it an almost cinematic feel, and providing an emotionally charged, grand finale to the album. Moonfactory by Hyde Out is a testament to the duo’s eclectic influences and commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Omar Merlo and Jaka Levstek bring together their musical roots—spanning British alt-pop, American folk, and hard rock—to create something uniquely their own. After years of experimenting with self-produced demos and collaborations, Hyde Out has refined their sound, offering listeners a vivid, genre-blurring journey that cements them as a fresh, innovative voice in the indie rock scene.
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