Hanalei We Are All Natural Disasters

Hanalei: Brian Moss (various instruments).

Personnel: Brian Moss (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar); Lance Reynolds (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixers: Lance Reynolds; Brian Moss.

Recording information: Hyperspace Studios, Chicago, IL (05/2004).

Photographer: Ben Pier.

Best known as the principal singer/songwriter in post-punk outfit the Ghost, Brian Moss takes his first solo turn under the banner of Hanalei with stellar results. Fusing pieces of folk, country, pop, and even bits of electronica, We Are All Natural Disasters is a routinely somber but equally peaceful set of music. Much of the material is inspired by heartache, including standouts like "John Hughes Endings" and "Derailment at Six Flags," but Moss' self-proclaimed "laptop folk" is a far cry from today's emo dreck. The soothing "Action Drum" is a look at America through a touring van window, while "Anza Ninety Three" embraces the rustic feel of Americana. "Smart Means Sick" is perhaps the ultimate proof of just how captivating Hanalei can really be -- it's something of a folk anthem for maturing indie rock kids. But no matter how you dissect Moss' first solo long-player, We Are All Natural Disasters is a keeper. ~ John D. Luerssen