The Moth and the Mirror - Honestly, This World

The Moth and the Mirror is a band made up entirely of Scotland’s finest musical talent - a highland “super group” if you will. Comprised of Stacey Sievwright of The Reindeer Section, Gordon Skene of Frightened Rabbit and a handful of other well-known Scottish musicians. Because of its members’ respective musical backgrounds the debut album, ‘Honestly, This World’, has many high expectations to live up to.

Fans of the members’ alternative bands may be disheartened to know that this album is very unique compared to their personal works, but in fact the diversity of the album makes it more than an accomplished listen. Most of the songs are very haunting and definitely not what you’d expect given the nature of their previous projects, unless you’re a fan of some of Frightened Rabbits very early material.

In amongst the brooding collection there are some prominent gems. ‘Fire’ is a sublime and rocky number which is vaguely reminiscent of early Snow Patrol and the disco-style base in title track, ‘Honestly, This World’, is an adventurous experiment with brilliant results.

Before listening to this album I had never sadly encountered the vocal talents of Stacey Sievwright and in terms of this record she left nothing to be desired. Her voice fitted in perfectly with the echoic nature of the songs and it felt like she was narrating over the top of a strangely haunting dream. The sort of dream that you could go back to time and time again.

If I wasn’t off to buy every past record featuring Stacey Sievwright and her gorgeous voice and lyrical positioning.

Samantha Taylor