It is a bizarre year and time to be an Oasis fan. With Liam’s debut solo album going straight to number 1 last month Noel has retorted with his third solo record today. It is like the battle of British rock that took up the early 2000s between Oasis and Blur has returned but this time poises the two brothers against one another.

‘Who Built The Moon’ is Noel Gallagher’s most ambitious and forward-looking album since the split. With a mix of glam rock, psychedelia and his always vague but somehow relevant songwriting, this record shows that the older Gallagher brother is constantly evolving despite turning 50 back in May.





When first listening to main single, ‘Holy Mountain’, I didn’t know who was playing the music but I knew I liked it. Sounding further away from the original Definitely Maybe Oasis album as I ever thought a Noel song could, he shows us that he can create timeless tracks on both ends of the spectrum. From the rough and ready guitar solos he played on Johnny Marr’s Gibson sunburst on tracks like ‘Live Forever’ to the vibrant, uplifting and atmospheric ‘Keep On Reaching’.

David Holmes, the producer of the album, may deserve some credit for this unforced shift into a new world of music but Noel’s spacey and intriguing lyrics along with vocals as good as ever make this transition smooth and effortless. The live track ‘Dead in The Water’ at the end of the record shows Noel’s ability to still create a great ballad with poignant songwriting. The combination of constant optimism with tin whistle solos and bright piano riffs along with darker minor chords create a brilliant contradiction.

Although Liam’s safer record seems closer to original Oasis tunes and may be more chart and commercially friendly, when we look back at these records the only one we will idolise is Noel’s adventurous ‘Who Built The Moon’. For now, enjoy the sibling rivalry and look forward to more and more music from the legendary brothers. Noel seems to create a new sense of invincibility every time he releases music, showing more and more layers of talent and endless growth.

Photo source: www.cristinarocks.com

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