In October 2014, on the verge of releasing their full-length debut, Moose Blood’s reserved frontman Eddy Brewerton sipped nervously on his beer. “Petrified,” he responded, when asked about his feeling towards the impending changes brought on by increased success. Specifically, his decision, alongside fellow band members Mark Osbourne, Glenn Harvey and Kyle Todd, to quit their day jobs and to make their musical venture full-time. Almost two years later, on the eve of album number two, Brewerton’s appears in a similar same state of shock.
“There’s something to compare us to this time around,” he says with concern. “It’s a little more daunting.”
The last two years have pushed Moose Blood to the verge of mainstream success, sitting firmly in the upper echelons of the alternative scene. New album ‘Blush’ holds more than enough potential to see them break through. “I’ve overthought it,” Brewerton admits. “I’ve worked myself up a bit too much. I’m a bit nervous.”
His fear is perpetuated by his humble sense of disbelief. This morning Brewerton and his bandmates received the news that they have sold out their very first Australian show. “That’s literally the other side of the world,” he beams.
“We can’t believe we’re in a band releasing our second album. It’s silly enough that we got the chance to put out the first one,” he states matter-of-factly. “I didn’t think that we’d still be touring, but we’re just as busy now as we were then. I can’t believe we’re still doing it.”
It’s by no means an act. Brewerton is not taking any moment for granted, in part to retain his sanity. With an unrelenting six-month touring schedule ahead of them, including considerable time away from his relatively new wife and step-daughter, life is as overwhelming now as it has ever been. Brewerton’s fortune however, isn’t lost on him. “As tired as I am and as daunting as our schedule is, I’m having the time of my life,” he easily concedes. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’m trying to enjoy it and not think about it all too much.”
Since the release of their ‘I’ll Keep You In Mind From Time To Time’ debut, Moose Blood have celebrated international acclaim, not least sell out shows in the United States. It’s an accolade Brewerton doesn’t take lightly. “We played a show in New York City and I had a moment where I just couldn’t believe where we were, and all of these people were singing the words back at me. When you look back on it you just think, ‘did that just happen?’. It’s weird enough when you go a couple of minutes up the road and people know your songs, but when you have to get on a plane and turn up in a new place…”
This has proved the inspiration for ‘Blush’; the record openly discussing separation, distance and homesickness. As with ‘I’ll Keep You In Mind…’, it’s an immensely personal record, an increasingly defining Moose Blood characteristic which compliments the gentle step away from their debut’s sound.
“It was never our intention to write a record about touring, but I guess we always write about what’s going on in our lives,” Brewerton admits. “Touring is such a huge part of it. It does have an effect on relationships, whether it’s your wife, girlfriend or family. ‘Blush’ is us writing about our experiences and what we know. There’s nothing else we could write about.”
Their experiences have also given Moose Blood the ability to work towards more considered song structures. Tracks released ahead of the full-length have already welcomed praise for their hook driven nature. Brewerton himself isn’t afraid to use to “pop” label.
“I really wanted to concentrate on vocal melody this time,” he enthuses. “I love pop music. I really like catchy melody and choruses that get stuck in your head.” Far from rhetoric, this passion has bled into the way Moose Blood pull songs together. “There were so many times when we’d be sitting there trying to write a chorus but it wasn’t catchy enough, so we’d scrap it and start again. You can’t beat a hook in a song. I want people to remember certain parts of it.”
Fuelled by their increased camaraderie, ‘Blush’ embraces this influence fully. As Brewerton notes the importance of their evolving awareness of each other’s strengths, he is evidently more excited about the record’s overall sound. “We wanted to have choruses and wanted to repeat parts,” he continues. “Instead of just putting a few ideas in a row and calling it a song, we really sat down and thought about structure. It may give it that poppier sound, but we just got better at writing songs together.”
And just like back in 2014, Brewerton draws strength from his family. It’s a key component in his career, both inwardly and out. His wife, often present at shows, continues to be thanked in many live performances, with Brewerton unafraid to openly portray the emotions that have drawn many to Moose Blood.
“I get real homesick,” he admits, “so being away for this long is really daunting. But my wife is so supportive and understanding. I couldn’t have met a better person for it.”
As the coming months promise a wealth of new experiences spurred on by the unashamed melodic hooks of ‘Blush’, Brewerton is cautiously enthusiastic. Mirroring the bittersweet tones of their sophomore album, he adds: “Being away from home is definitely difficult, but it makes you appreciate it more when you’re back. You make the most of those days.”
Yet behind the apprehension, Brewerton is raring to go. Admitting that the coming months are immeasurably more frightening due to an unusual period of calm in Moose Blood’s recent calendar, he looks back at the time since quitting his day job, and our initial conversation in 2014.
“I’ve had some of the most incredible experiences,” he says excitedly. “I would have kicked myself forever if I hadn’t given it a go. I have no idea how long it’s going to last, but I’m glad I’m doing it. It’s been scary at times, and at times it’s been hard, but it’s awesome.”