Hyde Out's Moonfactory: A Masterclass in Genre Fusion and Emotional Storytelling

thisaktmusic

8 Nov, 2024

London-based duo Hyde Out, featuring Omar Merlo and Jaka Levstek, is ready to mesmerize listeners with Moonfactory, their latest genre-bending album. Known for their eclectic approach to rock and pop, Hyde Out crafts a unique blend of 90s Britpop, 60s and 70s folk, 80s electropop, and contemporary indie vibes across Moonfactory’s 13 tracks. Each song captures Hyde Out's commitment to redefining modern music, creating a sonic experience both deeply nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Moonfactory begins with the spellbinding “Oblivious,” setting an ethereal tone for what’s to come. Tracks like “Firefly,” “Only Words,” and “Games We Play” invite listeners into the duo’s reflective inner world, where poetic lyrics and soaring melodies meet. These songs highlight Hyde Out’s flair for capturing raw emotion, balancing melancholy with a sense of wonder. With contributions from studios across London, New York, Switzerland, and Australia, the album resonates with an international essence, blending local influences with the artists’ well-traveled musical background.

The album seamlessly shifts from delicate to daring. “Dedicated to the Ones Who Want Me Dead” is a prime example of Hyde Out’s edgier side, mixing electrifying riffs with intense lyrical introspection. “Cityscape 49” and “Kryptonite” add to the dynamic range, exploring urban and psychological themes while showcasing the band’s knack for high-energy rock influences. On tracks like “Bring On” and “Go Higher,” Hyde Out brings positivity and hope to the forefront, contrasting darker tracks with an uplifting message that resonates deeply.

Unlike their harder-hitting 2022 album, Tunnel Vision, Moonfactory offers a return to the soft, melodic style that fans first fell in love with on Smoke and Mirrors. Each song is purposefully layered, giving the album a dreamy, cinematic quality. The rich soundscapes, combined with imaginative track titles like “Powder Coated Penguin in Undisclosed Location,” reveal Hyde Out’s ability to merge playfulness with thought-provoking content, leaving listeners both entertained and intrigued.

“Moonfactory is our way of revisiting everything we’ve loved and learned from music,” says Merlo. The duo’s artistic journey is palpable across the album, which is structured to lead listeners from one emotional space to another, ending with a powerful reprise of “Oblivious.” This full-circle moment encapsulates Hyde Out’s gift for storytelling through sound a narrative of growth, resilience, and the thrill of artistic exploration.