I first heard the Shelly Moore Band on the superb Wes King tribute, “Life is Precious,” but it won’t be long before they are on the tips of tongues more significant than mine. “Hope and Decay” is their second album, but if you like thoughtful composition, pristine guitars, and lyrics steeped in humility, you’ll enjoy it greatly.
Opening with the timely, rootsy “Scratch,” Shelly Moore’s evocative vocals grab your attention immediately, reminding us that we are not, in fact, the center of the universe but rather a “scratch on a line.” It may take another minute or two to notice the Hammond B3 simmering below the cleverly nuanced track., but once you pick up on its quietly throbbing power, you do not forget its presence again. The fluid standout “Your Light Illumines” features more intuitive writing, and some creative phrasing from Moore. I enjoy the organic sensibilities of the SMB, especially obvious on “Whisper.”
But it’s their humility that stands out on “Grafted,” and for that matter, informs most of the lyrics of “Hope and Decay.” It is a quality that stands out immediately, as rare as it is even in the Christian music genre, unfortunately. Moore writes with guitarist Mike Passaro, and their reverent and grateful perspective of Christ injects these ten songs with a spiritual richness that goes down deep. It has much to do with the album’s satisfaction; these truths resonate long after the disc stops spinning.
The delicate arrangements of gentle rocker “Solid Ground” give a shine to each measure, also highlighting Passaro’s always sensitive guitar fingerings. The song builds to an unforeseen mid-track crescendo of fervent hope, and there’s that lovely B3 again. The band does a lovely turn with 19th century hymn “Jesus I Come,” layering the luminous vocals beautifully. “Be Exalted,” the longest track, is free-flow worship, and I don’t know that all listeners will enjoy it repeatedly. But the disc ends powerfully with “Without Words,” rejoicing in the way the explosive beauty of nature declares the power of its Creator. Passaro’s nimble guitar illustrates the precision of creation, and Moore’s vocals overflow with reverence as she sings: “I hear the loudest silent praise/ As your creation daily screams out your praise.”
“Hope and Decay” will encourage you to find and know your place in Christ, and treat you to high caliber indie music in the process, a glorious two-fer. This is definitely an album not to miss; I'd go so far as to consider it one of the year's best.
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