Moggs

The White Belt Is Not Enough (2005)

Jordan Rogowski

I can give respect to a band who knows and appreciates their musical roots. After all, history, we're nothing without it. This is why I thought Moggs underwent an interesting recording process for The White Belt Is Not Enough. The duo of Sir Plus and Miss Minor opted not to use any computer technology whatsoever during their recording process, citing that they wanted to use the same sort of techniques as done in the `60s with albums like Abbey Road.

An ambitious ideology, but the album as a whole didn't pan out quite as I'm sure the twosome had intended.

In an effort seemingly lacking any semblance of conviction or emotion, these songs just aimlessly plod and meander throughout their courses, whatever that may be. And I'm not buying the argument about only having two members being a limiting factor, as I'm sure anyone can name off 2 or 3 acts like this -- that aren't the White Stripes -- that pull things off well. I can't say the songs are "bad" per se, but they seem to have aimless objectives, and there's no real redeeming qualities to speak of. "Interglacial Marriages" does a great job of holding interest through its solid grooves, but other songs like "Take Take Take" are completely forgettable. Both members share vocal similarities, with both having a sort of hollow, morose vibe that doesn't give the songs the kick that they so obviously need. Forty minutes doesn't sound like an exorbitant amount of time for an album, but with something this dull and lifeless, it can turn into ages.

From the outset, they're never able to establish a steady rhythm or a steady flow outside an individual song. "Intro to Hollywood" is the album's first track, and it kicks off with a tight, solid drum and guitar driven groove, but that's all the song is, for a minute and a half, and such is the problem with many of the songs: They're overly repetitious. There's a difference between driving a point home and kicking a long dead horse. The whimsical "Aisles" does its best to pull interest back into the album, and while it's one of the more solid tracks here, those efforts will essentially still fall by the wayside.

As I've said so far, this album isn't one to be relegated to status as ‘bad,' but there's just so little to remember, and at times it can be a real chore to keep your attention on whatever song is playing. A decent effort, but albums you can say that about are a dime a dozen.