Moby

Wait For Me

(Mute)

Record Review by Kevan Peterson

Moby hit his peak with 1999’s Play, which was the first album to ever have every single track licensed for film, television and commercials.  Inevitably, as most artists and bands do, he then waned in popularity for several subsequent albums, although not so much that he was anywhere near obscurity.  On his newest venture into the public spotlight, Wait for Me, Moby plays it relatively safe, focusing in on his laidback beats, reverberated vocals and melancholy melodies.

“Pale Horses,” seems like it would have fit nicely into the Play mold as does “Shot in the Back of the Head,” the album's first two singles, which each spawned a music video.  The video for “Shot in the Back of the Head,” was directed by David Lynch, the very man Moby credits for giving inspiration to create this album in a style that allowed him to not worry about commercial success.  If that’s the case, then Moby really hasn’t been worried about commercial success from day one, as nothing on Wait for Me sounds wildly different than anything we’ve heard from Moby in the past. 

The album itself, which was recorded in Moby’s home studio, plays best as a whole, as some tracks don’t amount to much more than sonic noise.  Outside of the released singles, several tracks stand out.  “JLTF,” offers a simple piano line, interwoven with haunting vocals and distant drums.  It’s like you’re hearing the music echoing inside of Moby’s head.  “Mistake,” one of the few tracks Moby layers his own vocals on, is an understated yet catchy melody, where at times Moby almost sounds like Lou Reed in his vocalization.  “Wait for Me,” the album's title track, and “Hope is Gone” both highlight a darker side to Moby’s inner demons, which is where this album seems to resonate best. 

Wait for Me is a fully realized addition to the Moby library and one that both established and new fans will most likely enjoy. Even though it is very unlikely that each and every one of these tracks will end up being used commercially in film or TV, they will do just fine playing from your home stereo.