There’s something about genetic vocal harmony — just listen to
the Everly Brothers, Chapin Sisters, Beach Boys, and former locals the
Moore Brothers (who now live in Grass Valley). Sharing the same DNA,
these siblings’ voices sound similar to each other’s yet each is
distinct, making for a truly singular whole. With the Moores, it’s two
subdued, gauzy, vibrato-free voices, one slightly higher than the
other, a blending that’s delicate and comforting, surreptitiously
belying their slightly caustic lyrics.
Outfitted primarily with acoustic guitars, bass, and muted drums,
their approach can be described as melancholic folk-pop (think Simon
& Garfunkel, Ida, or Essex Green). The darkly bouncy “Variety”
essays a fickle, chameleon-like woman, and the pensive, brittle “Girl
Right” has an angelic chorus mocking its protagonist (If I had one
more chance/I could love a girl/A girl right.) Taken in one
sitting, Aptos can seem a bit same-y (similar tempos,
consistently forlorn ambience). However, for those smitten by the
intricacies of harmony singing it’s highly recommended, as the Moore
Brothers express more regret and irony in a single chorus than
many songsters can in a career. (American Dust)
