They’ve finally done it! The time-travelling Albert Mooneys have recorded their debut album and are about to unleash it on the world.
After decades of inspiring other musicians, the band has emerged from a place and time unknown with their debut record, ‘This Never Happened in the Seventies’.
For an independent band working without a record label, Albert Mooneys have delivered a remarkably strong, beautifully produced, and well-mixed self-release. The music is primarily acoustic-driven, with a balanced mix that gives each instrument space to breathe and allows every band member to shine. Musically, the group is incredibly tight, having honed their craft over years of busking, festival circuits, and private parties. With four vocalists in the line up, their harmonies blend seamlessly into the instrumentation.
The album is rich and upbeat, underpinned by a deep vein of humour running through the lyrics. ‘Sarah Jones’ is a gentle, breezy country-rocker that spins a tale about a teenage crush, while ‘Hymn’—with its revival-style melody and harmonies—takes a tongue-in-cheek swipe at organised religion, transforming into a rallying call for atheism.
The pop sensibilities of ‘Where Were You Last Night’ and ‘Eenie Meenie’ showcase the band’s knack for writing catchy, melodic hooks. The production carries a distinct sixties British pop era sound; who knows, perhaps these time-travelling troubadours actually inspired the original Britpop movement?
Turning a slightly sarcastic lens on modern times, ‘Allergies’ contrasts the lifestyle of the 1970s against today’s society, taking aim at the never-ending cycle of intolerance—both physical and social.
In keeping with past times, the album looks back at the 1980s and 90s, when a rite of passage saw thousands of unemployed Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and English youths descend upon the Netherlands. They sought work and alternative distractions in the bulb factories (a journey this reviewer knows all too well). ‘Gardens of America’ takes a hilarious, high-energy look at the experiences of the 90% who stuck it out, complete with incredibly accurate descriptions of the unique working conditions.
‘This Never Happened in the Seventies’ is a joyous listen from start to finish. The songs are brilliantly written, showcasing an exceptionally talented band with a genuine love for their craft
Pre-order ‘This Never Happened in the Seventies’ now