Track Review: Moonface ‘Minotaur Forgiving Knossos’

Toronto, Ontario native Spencer Krug —  frontman of indie rock band Wolf Parade — is back with the announcement, via his Twitter page, of This One’s for the Dancers & the Dancer’s Bouquet, a new album set to be released in February 2019 under the moniker Moonface.

Krug has begun to advertise the upcoming record with the release of two singles. The most notable of the pair is “Minotaur Forgiving Knossos,” and serves as the perfect appetizer for the nature of the 16-song record.

“I have accepted it/ I’m disconnected/ I am a monster in a maze and in a way I’ll live forever,” Krug sings. The lyrics build towards a theme of isolationism, presented by something or someone living on the fringe of society. This makes more sense when you realize that half of the songs on the record — including “Minotaur Forgiving Knossos” — will be written from the point of view of a Minotaur, according to undertheradar.com.

Given the tracks focus on the perspective on a creature from ancient Greek mythology, it goes without saying that this song is highly experimental. That is also quite evident from the instruments layered beneath the fabled half man’s story. An interesting combination of slow and relaxing, while also remaining very upbeat and almost hopeful. True to most of Moonface’s works, the music also contains heavy influences of percussion instruments, most notably the consistent playing of a xylophone mixed with occasional drum beats.

Krug, who is heavily involved in the musical portions in most of Wolf Parade’s tracks, recorded the instruments himself. The song was then mixed and produced by Jace Lasek of fellow Canadian band The Besnard Lakes. This does wonders in portraying the story of the beast coming to terms with his place in the archaic society. With the combination of Minotaurs, Greek mythology, and complete creative freedom for the experimental Krug, this upcoming record promises to present something unique for fans both new and old.