New documentary shows The Moons recording latest LP at iconic Abbey Road

A documentary following The Moons recording their latest album at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London has been released.

Inside The Melodies follows the band as they recorded Pocket Melodies which upon its release in October last year received acclaim from fans and critics alike.

The Moons are led by former Northampton resident Andy Crofts who teamed up with filmmaker and friend Lee Cogswell who spent time with the band at Abbey Road.

Talking about the documentary and the reaction to it since its release this month, Crofts said: “So many people have said that they love the album even more after watching it so that makes it all worthwhile for me.

“We had been quiet for some time and I wanted to come back with a bang.

“To return after so much time we had to have something interesting and we also needed something special for ourselves too, so it had to be Abbey Road and of course we had to film it.”

Crofts, who is a member of Paul Weller’s touring band, had previously recorded at Abbey Road Studios with the former Jam frontman, however, added as it was his band’s first time there, it had to be documented.

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Crofts is joined in The Moons by drummer Ben Gordelier, guitarist Chris Watson and bassist Ben Curtis.

Pocket Melodies also featured piano and keys by Tom Heel and percussion by Luke Goddard.

Several of Crofts’ band still live in and around Northamptonshire.

The 48-minute documentary was edited by Crofts because of existing work commitments by Cogswell on other projects.

Crofts said: “It was quite difficult to put together as it’s not my footage but I just went with what felt right and left all the rough edges in that would normally be cut out.

“I love that stuff like shakey cameras as it makes you feel like you’re a ‘fly on the wall’.

“Many ‘pros’ would cut all that out, but I like it.

“I slowly chipped away at it but was so busy I struggled a lot so in the end I made a poster and announced the release date as I knew this would make me get a move on.”

The Moons spent 14-hour days at Abbey Road Studios recording Pocket Melodies, with Crofts explaining Inside The Melodies is an accurate representation of a band working on recording an album.

“Everything is how it was and we just ploughed through the songs,” he explains.

“Maybe a few takes of each song then moved on.

“There was a lot of pressure on us to get all the songs down in the time, but we were pretty relaxed and I think that helped it flow.”

While many musicians were unable to tour during the majority of 2020 because of coronavirus restrictions, many - like The Moons - had already planned to record and release new material.

Looking back on the past 12 months, Crofts admits he was lucky to be able to keep himself busy.

“I think my instinct kicked in and made me step up,” he admits.

“I’m glad I did as I now don’t think of 2020 as a complete terrible year.

“I released lots of music, a book and also put out an album for another act on my Colorama Records label.

“Pocket Melodies had the best response of any album we have ever released.

“I think it just came at the right time and helped lift some spirits.”

The album, which was released on a vivid purple vinyl with a colourful accompanying booklet was Crofts way of “adding some colour to a very grey year”.

Following its release, Pocket Melodies was picked by Tim Burgess for one of his acclaimed lockdown Listening Parties.

Addressing any hope of being able to play live and tour this year, Crofts adds: “Who knows what’s gonna happen with Covid-19 and how badly the Government are handling it.

“I’m assuming as soon as all this lifts, I’ll be straight off into Weller world but I’m sure I’ll do some solo acoustic shows again as well.”

In a final message to fans, Crofts said: “I want to thank you all so much for your love and support in anything I do with The Moons, solo or with Weller.

“We’re honoured to have you all on our journey and we really feel a sense of loyalty from you all. It really means the world.

“We have one more thing on its way to complete the Pocket Melodies thing and then I’ll be working on a new album so in the meantime keep telling your friends about The Moons and sharing our music and we will do the rest. Let’s hope I can bring you much more in 2021.”

Pocket Melodies is out now and is available via https://www.themoons.co.uk.

You can watch Inside The Melodies via the embedded video link above, or at https://youtu.be/-m8GPUj-cLM