It’s a special day when moe., the beloved genre-defying jam band from New York, delivers a brand new studio album. This Friday, they return with Circle of Giants, their 14th studio release, dropping via Fat Boy Records and ATO Records. Along with the new album, moe. is gearing up for a year-long celebration of their 35th anniversary, complete with an extensive North American tour. If you’re a fan of the band, this is a moment to savor—Circle of Giants is a testament to their resilience and evolution.
For those of us who have a deep, inexplicable connection to certain bands, moe. is one of those acts that resonates on a level beyond just music. Whether it’s from a random discovery or a chance encounter with a live show, there’s something about the way their quirky, sometimes-weird energy clicks that makes them your band. You follow them through thick and thin, weathering the good and bad, and in return, they’ve consistently proven they’re worth that investment.
When your band releases new music, the excitement is always paired with a bit of anxiety. After all, we’ve all had those moments when a long-time favorite band drops an album that doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Thankfully, Circle of Giants is a winner, and it’s especially poignant considering the challenges the band has faced in recent years. Bassist Rob Derhak’s battle with cancer, the tragic loss of his child, and guitarist Chuck Garvey’s stroke recovery have all shaped the band’s journey. So, it feels particularly fitting that the album’s lead single, “Ups & Downs,” embodies the perseverance and strength they’ve shown in the face of adversity.
The 10-track album opens with “Yellow Tigers,” giving us an exciting introduction to Nate Wilson, the band’s newest member who officially joined in 2023. Wilson, who stepped in during Garvey’s recovery, brings fresh energy to the band, contributing three standout tracks: “Giants,” “In Stride,” and “Yellow Tigers.” His background in projects like Ghosts of Jupiter and The Nate Wilson Group is evident, and his contributions shine through as some of the album’s brightest moments.
Rob Derhak brings four tracks to the table, including the aforementioned “Ups & Downs,” as well as the fun and lively “Bat Country,” the catchy “Don’tcha Know,” and the poignant “Beautiful Mess”—possibly my new favorite song by him. The latter, in particular, hits all the right emotional notes. Al Shnier, always a staple of moe.’s sound, adds three songs to the mix, including the dynamic “Band in the Sky,” the laid-back “Tomorrow is Another Day,” and the heartfelt “Living Again.”
From the first listen, Circle of Giants had me hooked, and it’s only gotten better with time. The album has found a permanent place in my rotation, and its charms continue to reveal themselves with every play. It’s not just a collection of tracks; it’s an experience that flows seamlessly from start to finish. The vibe is polished but still retains the heart of moe.’s live shows, with extended jams that allow each member to stretch out and showcase their talent. Wilson’s contributions are particularly noticeable during the middle section of “Band in the Sky,” where his musical influence stands out.
In many ways, Circle of Giants feels like a culmination of everything moe. has been through, and it’s a reminder of why they’re still going strong after 35 years. There’s not a throwaway track on the album; every song serves a purpose, and the theme of friendship, resilience, and camaraderie ties it all together. The line “Lift each other up” from “Band in the Sky” feels like a mantra for the album, echoing the spirit of moe. itself.
The album is a reflection of a band that has weathered their fair share of storms and emerged even stronger. With themes of love, loss, pain, and growth, Circle of Giants is undoubtedly one of their best works to date. If you’re a moe. fan—or if you’ve yet to experience their unique blend of jam, rock, and soul—this album is a must-have. I can’t wait to catch them on tour as part of their 35th anniversary celebration. Circle of Giants is an album made for the long haul, and it’s one that will resonate with listeners for years to come.