Not quite ska, not quite emo, The Killing Moon edge the lines of genres—choosing to dip their toes into a variety of pools instead of committing to a swim in just one. Most obviously post-punk, the quintet from Hampton, Maine also adds in flavors of brass effects such as trombone (supplied by Dan Lafayette) and baritone sax (Chris Michaud). With slices of screamo vocals here and there as well, The Killing Moon clearly dabble with ska within their tracks. However, A Message Through Your Teeth – an EP teaser from Fearless Records released last year – has much more of a classic punk-pop feel. The songs are more accessible, and Ryan Hannan’s vocals keep the screaming to a minimum—preferring saddened angst ridden lines instead. Rousing, smooth, and passionate, The Killing Moon offer a delicious blend of ska and emo threads, with the punk influences dominating their melodies—much like Dynamite Boy, Less Than Jake, or No Doubt. For this, The Killing Moon comes off smelling strongly of mainstream post-punk. If weren’t for their injection of brass instrumentals, their tracks would explore over-trodden territory and come off dull. That said, the brass section tends to be left behind. Too often in songs like “Subject A” and “Postcard from Los Angeles” does the trombone and sax feel like afterthoughts, added in after the rest of the song was completed. Instead, the rousing guitars and Hannan’s despairing vocals take the show. And is that so bad? Well, if you’re looking for a scything ska experience, it is. If not, then The Killing Moon remains a vibrant and melodic experience in the spirit of Senses Fail. A Message Through Your Teeth was released March of 2006, with promises of a full-length later that year. Still no word from the Hampden rockers on that front, but fortunately they’re on the road playing occasional shows across the country. Let’s hope The Killing Moon get some new material out soon—there is a heap of potential within the tracks of A Message Through Your Teeth, and The Killing Moon have a chance to become a major name.

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