Colossal Small may have been mastered by Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo, but don't expect the
Moore Brothers to sound too much like an entry in the Elephant 6 collective. Like
Of Montreal or
Olivia Tremor Control, the duo does share a knack for curious lyrics and harmonies ("What was my name Mr. Owl?/I'll be stretched and maybe smile in your very fine home in the forest" they sing on the title track). Without an assortment of instruments (save for the occasional organ or vibraphone), its sparse arrangements lie closer to folk-pop or Merseybeat. "Moleslica" takes a slight detour with a piano-lead ballad, ringing like a somber
Ben Folds. The
Moore Brothers finally bring in full percussion and electric guitar for "The Outsiders," squeezing out a small drop of psychedelia for their small, yet colossal tunes. ~ Kenyon Hopkin