As far as 90’s revivals go, Moist has to be one of the most unlikely. Three albums with EMI (the excellent “Silver” and “Creature” and the not-quite-so-good “Mercedes Five and Dime”) capped by a compilation of singles and rare tracks seemed like a pretty good run of things. David Usher had already recorded his first solo album and the second was not far off. (he’d eventually release eight) When they called it quits it was a sad time but not completely unexpected.

With the success enjoyed by other reformed 90’s Can-Rock groups like I Mother Earth, Big Wreck, Big Sugar and the Headstones, it proved impossible for Moist to resist another try. However, as far as these things go, results may vary. (refer to The Tea Party for an example of band that is better left in memory) Fortunately, when they played their big reunion show at the Sound Academy, all fears were put to rest.

When they announced that they were working on a new record, it intrigued me. What would Moist sound like in 2014? All three of their previous albums had been so different from one another, “Silver” was upbeat, yet decidedly bent. “Creature” descended into murkier territory and carried a tremendous amount of angst with it. “Mercedes Five and Dime” was the lightest of the three as the band seemed to mellow. This trend continued with Usher’s solo work which veered into pop adult contemporary territory.

The preview single for “Glory Under Dangerous Skies” was the heavy rocker “Mechanical” which is denser and slicker than anything the band has released before. The guitars are simply huge. Part of this is explained by the addition of second guitarist Jonathan Gallivan. (of the original lineup, only Usher, guitarist Mark Makoway and keyboardist Kevin Young remain) Now a sextet, the band is louder than ever.

Not to say there isn’t variety here. While “Black Roses” and “Broken” are examples of the band at its loudest, there are a handful of ballads like “Still Won’t Look Down” or “God Is In The White Rice”. Yet they’re more in the vein of “Leave It Alone” which featured a loud emotional crescendo rather than “Gasoline” which was beautiful in its understated way.

All in all “Glory Under Dangerous Skies” is the sound of a band rejuvenated. It’s a welcome return for one of the better 90’s Can-Rock bands. It’s an exciting time to be a Moist fan.