This is almost certainly Noels most devise album in his 25+ year making music. He takes a step away from his Britpop/Indie roots and creates what he called "Cosmic Pop". Although the album is not perfect it is pretty good with some real highlights. The first side of the record is solid. 'Fort Knox' is a decent opening track, setting the tone for the album. 'Holy Mountain' is horn driven and fast paced, its a good track and you can see why it was the first single. There are some tracks on the album which are lacking lyrically, 'Keep On Reaching' and 'She Taught Me How To Fly' are two examples that don't feature alot of progressing beyond some repeated phrases for most of the track. However, the later still manages to be one to the best on the album. Once you flip the record over there is a bit of a dip in quality 'Be Careful What You Wish For' and 'Black And White Sunshine' are maybe my two least favourite songs on the LP. They aren't bad but just forgettable. The quality picks up again though with 'If Love is The Law' which is an upbeat, bell-filled, joyful affair and 'The Man Who Built The Moon' which is menacing and has some of the best lyrics on the album. I have the vinyl which doesn't feature 'Dead In The Water' which is a shame as it is a gorgeous song, one of Noels best in years. Although I understand why it was maybe left off as it doesn't fit in with the album aesthetically being an acoustic track.
Overall, Who Built The Moon is a good album. Side 1 is really solid, the album is just let down a little by some of the songs on side 2. WBTM is a interesting experiment for Noel, I wouldn't want his next album to be in this style but i'm glad we have this one.
By: Glasshat.