Another Look: The Mood Swings, ‘Trophies’

Collaborative soul-funk sextet the mood swings released their first album Trophies Aug. 21. The 11 tracks span 38 minutes of jazzy vocals, smooth but grooving instrumentation and an eclectic blending of timeless sounds. The Murfreesboro-based ensemble explores feelings from yearning to confidence across the record, with a unique blend of blending indie rock, soul and jazz. 

All six bandmates — that’s lead singer Cade Ortego, keyboardist Noel Musson, bassist Ian Fisher, drummer Patrick McGann, and trumpeter Lucas Merriman saxophonist Nigel Pillow in the wind section — have opportunities to shine, whether it’s on backing harmonies or instrumental solos. Throughout the album, the group emphasizes a willingness to evolve, utilizing previous expertise and standard genre practices while taking creative liberties and bold risks.

“Call Me!” feautures verses about wanting backed by a steady beat backed, something you hear often in soul. “Fall Into Your Love,” with nods to New Orleans R&B, has a segment reminiscent of live jazz performances; even though it’s a studio record, this passage has an improvisational flavor.

The ninth track “Long Haired Woman” was released last year as a single, accompanied by a music video. The visual and musical style of the mood swings is on display here, marrying the sharp but just-tight-enough performance to cartoony shenanigans.

Singer Ortego utilizes both powerful shouts and a soft falsetto in “Real Thing/Say the Word” to explore a scenario that could come to pass if the woman he’s singing to would just “say the word.” In “TTSIO” (short for “That’s the Shit I’m On”), the group segues into a more contemporary vision of a classic R&B sound, similar to Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s collaboration as Silk Sonic, with a heavy focus on the driving rhythm and a confident, playfully cocky lyrical perspective.

Whether you look at Trophies from the perspective of individual spotlights or ensemble playing, the band members’ musicality is front and center. This ability to showcase both communal sound and the unique talents of each player is what makes the record cohesive.

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