Nebula 9
Moodhop Volume 1
(Ampeg/Gig Records)

Getting into Nebula 9, one can't be too sure what to expect. The name offers up images of a space capsule or an experiment. The cover shot of an 8 track adorned with a label of 2 plastic figurines laid out in what appears to be a post-coital moment offers the possibilities of 70's porn music. And if you know anything about Denver, Colorado, where Jim Stout, Nebula 9's alter ego, resides, you'd be pretty sure that it's going to be more of the same old crap someone else has already done.

The easiest way to sum-up Nebula 9's Moodhop is to combine the above descriptions. It is like a 70's space themed porno movie that someone else has done before... but it's magic lies in it's subtleties. This can fall under the label of electronica, but it's a far cry from any danceable drivel that you might find in a night club. The tempos are often slow, the low end frequencies are the main attraction and there is an eerie sense of tension the whole way.

With songs titled, "Money Shot", "An Evening Out" and "Ham Sandwich & ESPN," you can be sure that there's a heavy sexual aspect to Moodhop. There is if Barry White had been born in the late 60's or early 80's, this is the kind of music he would've made. Yes, we have to do without the deep sensual moaning/speak song voice of Mr. White, but it no way takes from the smooth, "Let me smear you with peanut butter while you lay down on my latex sheets" feel of Moodhop. But there is no after sex break in the tension in Moodhop. If you aren't getting it on for the full run of this 62 minute disc (and if you say you are, you're a liar), then be prepared to stop the disc, have long awkward moments of silence or have some really strange dreams while you sleep (and while she lays there, ruefully eyeing your slumbering body).

Now, I in no way mean to cheese up my review of this album with sexual allusions. This album really feels like what I've stated above, while managing to avoid the pitfalls of porn music or electronica. It emotes, which is a good thing. Many artists in the genre fail to express anything other than excitement. It's nice to see a little pain, pleasure and soul in the form of electronica. I think I'm going to go make a movie now.

-Tyler Jacobson

Track Listing:

1. An Evening Out
2. I Drank What?
3. I Love You
4. The Drive Home
5. Dreaming of You
6. All I Ever Wanted
7. Passion
8. Closer
9. Money Shot
10. Ham Sandwich & ESPN