Jacob Moore in Stereo - Casting Shadows

Jacob Moore in Stereo

Casting Shadows
​self-released; 2020

3.7 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Jacob Moore, aka Jacob Moore in Stereo, has been performing live for over ten years. The last ten years or so Moore spent time fronting the pop-punk group Jacko Seude. His recent solo release Casting Shadows is eclectic and combines a number of different genres like alternative, pop and even folk to some extent.

The album starts with literally no warning on “This Town” which reminded me in all honesty of  John Mellencamp but perhaps more motivational. There is Americana influence on this song from the piano, the nostalgic lyrics and even the guitars. The chorus was intense and like I said really sort of motivational or empowering.

I’m old enough to fully remember the ’90s and the title track “Casting Shadows” sounded like it was from that era. The verse and chorus sounded like the Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20 and other like-minded bands from that time period. There is a hint of pop punk but I wouldn't say that much. “Summer Nights” is definitely more pop punk oriented from the energy, guitar progressions and vocal harmonies. There is a more youthful type of vibe that seems to be ever present in pop-punk.

“Words” is a catchy song that is somewhere between pop and alternative rock. “Horizons” is more of a straight rock song and executed quite well. I was getting more motivation vibes on “Last Ride” while the more aggressive and uncertain “Blood Orange Sun” was a highlight in the batch. Moore ends with a high energy, epic ballad entitled “Separate.”

​Casting Shadows is fairly eclectic but the genres he attempts don’t feel too far apart because he stamps some of his signature sound on the songs. This felt like an accessible release for most people. There wasn’t much of any experimentation or parts in the song that made me flinch or second guess what I heard. Once Moore finds the genre he wants to explore, he tends to build the songs off of previous groundwork that established them in the first place. Recommended.

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