‘MOMENT OF CRISIS’ BY VIC MOISSIS HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FOR ROCK LOVERS

Why stick to one niche when you can have it all? Vic Moissis explores different genres, rock eras, and soundscapes in his debut EP, ‘Moment of Crisis.’The EP truly represents self-love, as Moissis wrote, produced, and released the series of songs on his own accord, showcasing his many abilities. While each song draws heavily on iconic bands and genres, it never stays too much in the box. Instead, they bleed into each other, creating an everlastingly enjoyable sound experience.

The starting track, “Be As One,” is led by the hums from a screaming guitar. During the chorus, Moissis takes his deep, gothic vocals and layers them, a core strength of this song. The female backing vocals felt a little out of place; I wish they were better integrated into the production. I love what it’s going for, though, and see the vision. You’re met with the extreme talent that Moissis exudes, and it starts with the constant reminder that he is behind all of it.

“Freedom Fighter” has an upbeat, emotional riff that takes on an epic pop-punk vibe, and his vocals are extremely playful.  Ironically, given the song's title, the track’s content reminds me a lot of a typical Foo Fighters track. It’s fast, punchy, and makes you want to get up and move. Lyrically, the song is as catchy as it is quick. With inherent political undertones, Moissis takes on the perspective of a “tyrant,” as he “rewrites history.” It is a powerful commentary on free thinking and influence in times of uncertainty. Even with its strengths, I would like for the vocals to be a bit clearer in this one, as they get lost in the epic soundscape. One lyrical highlight: “my feeds informing me what’s right and wrong.”

“Blast Away" is a bit more edgy and very bass-heavy. It takes on a more groovy beat that pairs with catchy vocals and lyrics. The track is reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine during the bridge. I feel that this is where Moissis’s voice shines the most, it perfectly compliments his deep tone. When he yells out, “turn to pray” and then the breakdown into a fast, heavy conclusion of noise that really wakes you up. “Pull the trigger, punch the wall” features this unique organ noise, which is a great addition and adds to the album's mystique.

When “State of Emergency” starts, you’re immediately met with distorted sounds with intense drum fills – giving very much Tool energy. It’s entirely instrumental and has a hypnotizing melody that comes from the epic fuzzy guitar to the drum fills. The subtle surf-rock tones make it a perfect, eerie sound with rockabilly influences. It’s a great break from the previous songs, and serves as a stepping stone for the last two tracks. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an epic driving scene in a movie.

“Songs of Yesterday” comes in as the fifth and longest track on the EP. It starts slowly with clear vocals that talk about self-deprivation and masochism in relationships. He eventually gets the strength to move on, “Walking away from the songs of yesterday,” seeing his true worth outside of the situation he’s been placed in. His shaky vocals add to the emotional aspect. The highlight of this song is the epic guitar solo, which really ties into the shaky, raw sound that leads the track. It ends with surf-style guitar that feels like a light flickering on you as you drive fast on the freeway.

“My Hero (Cosmic Pile of…)” goes into a bouncy, catchy riff. It has a subtle ska influence that provides a super fun switch-up and a uniqueness that not many in this style traditionally go for. The lyrics, filled with cynicism and sarcasm, really match this energy. I think he really mastered vocal layering at this time of the EP. The ending is enjoyable, coughing, and then the organ comes again, feels like a spell being cast on you. 

Given its self-produced status, this EP is extremely impressive. My main critique would be to boost the vocals and make them a little clearer; sometimes they get drowned out by the instruments. Not mad about it, of course, because each instrument got its chance to shine.

Not one song felt overcooked; the little quirks in each track truly made Moment of Crisis a grab bag of multiple genres. You can find a little bit of everything here.