By Poppy Tohill

Friday April 14th, 2017 - Mascot

If Same Sun Same Moon is your first introduction to San Diego duo Little Hurricane, then you’ve chosen a great time to tune in. Unlike their name suggests, Little Hurricane who are Tone Catalano and C.C Spina, pack a big punch with this record. Continuing their tradition of maintaining a full band sound and the hook-laden, dirty blues, they effortlessly mastered on their previous release Gold Fever (2014), Same Sun Same Moon see’s the duo exploring new territory and adding a touch of classic rock and studio-enhanced pop into the mix with a smattering of keys, chimes and impressive effects. 

The title track and album opener serves as a clever introduction to the record, with Tone’s smooth vocals immediately drawing you in, the perfect lead up to the gritty-blues, foot-stomping rhythm that soon follows. The grungy edge that then follows with the traditional blues-influenced Bad Business encompassing its distorted guitar riff and rigid drum beat is about as far away from, ‘bad’ as you could possibly get. Whilst another early highlight OTL, the mood changing anthem that alongside poetic lyrics, split between both Tone & CC, showcase the duo’s experimentation into studio-enhanced electronic instrumentation, a sound that believe it or not, suits them quite well.

Isn’t It Great and Take It Slow soon takes us back to the soulful, blues inspired Little Hurricane we’re more used to, as Tone and CC’s melodic vocals intertwine with one another beautifully, leaving a lingering echo behind each layer of superb guitar work.

It has been said before, but we’ll reinforce the fact.. Lake Tahoe Eyes is a stand out track on a level of its own. Filled with an atmospheric echo of smoky guitars, shuffling drums and gritty tube distortion, the alluring nature of Tone’s vocal phrasing and minimalistic dynamics, leave spine-tingling goose-bumps all over your body right until he final chords ring out.

The attention-grabbing swagger of March Of The Living thrusts you into the second half of the album, as the duo allow their musical skills from the dirty, echoing fuzz of guitar to the taut drum rhythm and bruising effects, to lead the listener into a brilliantly crafted Tarantino-esque trance. No vocals needed, it’s that epic.

The sleazier White Stripes inspired Mr Señorita overflowing with notable guitar and drum work from both parties, followed by the lusciously melodic ballad of For Life, packed to the brim with stunninglayers of echoing guitars and vocals, both prove the duo undoubtedly have versatility and range way beyond the comprehendible.

Another highlight, Slingshot is a stripped down bluesy number that captures the bands essence at their best, with swirling guitars and an almost hypnotic beat, this riff is likely to whirl around your brain for hours. after As is the stunning imagery of the album closing track Moon’s Gone Cold, a sweet acoustic finale that highlights the duo’s more delicate and beautifully gentle approach to songwriting. 

4 / 5