Music Review: Noah and the MegaFauna

As I shuffle past the huddled crowd clogging the bar I make my way into the stuffy lounge. Dimly lit tables stretch out to the walls as a persistent film of smoke forms tonight’s ceiling. Nestled against the far wall I see a small stage with an eccentric cast of musicians who stand at the ready. As the band begins to play, feelings of repose and nostalgia come over me. I take a seat at the nearest open table, light a cigarette, and embark on the journey that is Noah and the MegaFauna.

This is the scene the band's music paints for me. Anthems for a Stateless Nation, their debut effort is a genuine piece of storytelling that marries an indie, folk sound with a strong gypsy-jazz influence. Noah Lit and his MegaFauna have crafted some very unique, very picturesque landscapes with this record. The band is able to achieve this with their strong technical skills but also an ability to make each song its own unique adventure.

The record starts out pensive and moody with the tracks We Knew We had It Coming and Au Revoir Shoshanna. These songs form a solid foundation that the rest of the album builds on really well. The band really shows off their gypsy-jazz chops on the tracks Moan All Night and Liquid Modernity. Gusano Coco is a highlight for me because it shows their musical range. It still has heavy gypsy jazz influences but there’s also a bluesy rock element to the song that helps it stand out from the rest of the album. The piece de resistance for me is On And On. You’ll easily notice that this track is of the few that follows what you could call a standard song structure. It has a catchy hook with a couple verses, but what makes this track great is how perfectly it combines all their different styles and influences in one song.

As a whole, Anthems for a Stateless Nation delivers a solid introduction to the band. The strongest achievement for this album is interest. After hearing it through, it left me wanting more. I’m invested in not only the success of this band but their progression as well. I highly recommend you all to purchase this album and support a group of musicians who have put a lot of time and energy to create a sound all their own.