Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Stick With What They Know In "Who Built The Moon?"

As the years go by, music evolves with society. There are some who don't move along with the changing times, however, and keep on doing what they know best. Such is the case for former Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds stick with that they know in Who Built The Moon?, their new record with an old-school rock n' roll flair.

Despite the feud between the Gallagher brothers, it seems both Noel and Liam Gallagher are sticking with their guns on their latest records (with Liam's As It Were not being much different than what he's known for either). Who Built The Moon? at least has a little more modernism to it;  opening track 'Fort Knox' has a very alternative intro and brings the album to a bombastic start. 'Holy Mountain' follows through with big and punchy brass and old-school rock vibes to keep the energy flowing. 

There are a few interesting moments on Who Built The Moon? that give it some extra flair. 'The Man Who Built The Moon' is one of the few tracks where the band tries something different, trying a dark western vibe on for size to make something a bit moodier. 'Interlude (Wednesday Part 1)' also has a bit of that darkness to it, in a jazzier way. Other than that, Who Built The Moon? really plays it safe, if not a bit too safe. The record really leaves a bland taste behind after the bulk of it is gone, and leaving closing track 'Dead In The Water' to be a live performance really leaves you wanting something more (especially since the song is really good).

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds stick with what they know in Who Built The Moon?, giving a fairly average rock record without much flair to it. It's good for those still wishing for Oasis to return, but it doesn't really sound that important or memorable otherwise. Living in the past can't always bring you forward.

Favorite Track: The Man Who Built The Moon

Least Favorite Track: If Love Is The Law

Rating: 70 / 100

Stream or buy Who Built The Moon? on Apple Music: