Moulettes straddle too many genres to accurately pigeonhole; imagine a Venn diagram with rotating circles that create countlessly interacting intersections. Their compositions land somewhere between archaic and futuristic, spare and bombastic, complex and simply groovy. They play their many instruments with both mathematical precision and wild abandon, a whirlwind, while layers of harmonies weave a luminous and uplifting parachute that steers you towards some exciting, unfamiliar unknown. The arrangements are thoughtful, bold and innovative, each song becomes a shape-shifting and time-bending instrument unto itself. Now into its second decade, Moulettes continue to test creative boundaries with songwriting that is clever and fun, inspired by muses that include animals, minerals, plants, mythical beings, blood and thunder. The band is solid, but Moulettes are also a fluid, evolving entity - musicians may come and go, depending on the city, scheme or time. Their latest work of art, Xenolalia, is actually five different releases: 11 songs performed five ways by five different ensembles (55 songs!): a cappella, electric, string, electronic and brass. As cellist, songwriter and art director Hannah Miller says, Xenolalia “…is all about communication.” Indeed, Moulettes have mastered conveying, with all their talents, experience and imagination, the mysterious magic of music.

- Chantal Vitalis