Musical Theater Returns: Moon and Moon

This is not the stuff that singles are made of, nor plays well as a 30 second soundbite. What this might be described as is an epic performance art which requires the listener to surrender themself into the whole story and evolve with it. The themes accurately reflect common struggles that still exist within many of us. I've been listening to it a lot lately.


Moon and Moon are an independent, Brooklyn based band and VII Acts of an Iron King is their debut release. 

'Features contributions by members of An Albatross, Lewis & Clarke, Barkus Born, and Stephonik Youth, and guest appearances by Devendra Banhart, Gibby Haynes, and Bat for Lashes.'

Not bad for their first release.

"Reflections of timeless struggle, self-fulfilling prophecy, and age-old triumph, with flashes of modern affectation. A fluid and evolving seven-act performance; an epic tale of angst, hunger, tragedy, failure, and ultimately, hope. The dramatic opening of this musical/avant-theatre piece begins with the young voice of our seven year old narrator. She describes in 2 short lines what we are about to witness: seven perspectives of one king's war with himself. Moon & Moon provides the framework of a journey through an eternal human battle, borrowing from religious heritage and a colorful quilt of belief that draws upon the root myth of our collective humanity. Our story re-creates an archetypal battle that is not only historical fiction, but our own contemporary fact which exemplifies our self-destructive nature. Through the journey of witnessing a different character's perspective in each act, our king comes to the realisation that he is not only the walls which he has built, but the walls that have been destroyed by his own hand and command." (from the liner)

You can print out the full booklet here. The driving force behind Moon and Moon is William Lemon, who is featured in a worhwhile interview by Nate Daley at Alarm Press.

Enjoy!

Moon and Moon; VII Acts of an Iron King (2008)

Act I (into the dust)

Act II (hands of a man)
Act III (we are the lights)
Act IV (come down like a man)
Act V (there can be only one)
Act VI (this is our celebration)
Act VII (together alone, we jump we rise)

Act II