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Behind Kin: How MOOCH's Desert Rock Odyssey Came to Be

OCT 10 - 2025

Hey everyone, hard to believe it’s already been four months since MOOCH released “KIN”.

This record has had a strong response, and for good reason. I wanted to take a step back and talk about how it came to life; from the first projects BTP & MOOCH / Interland Events Took on together, to the album’s release, and what made this project feel so special to us from the start. 

*MOOCH Live at Rhune Mountain 2.5 - Montreal - by @a.v.v.v.a

Over the past two years, working with Ben, Julian, and Alex has been nothing short of inspiring and a total breeze. They push the boundaries of their creativity, take well-calculated risks, and most importantly deliver music of the highest quality.

If I remember correctly, our first collaboration actually began in late-2023 with the planning of the “VISIONS” album release tour, which we scheduled for May of 2024. Ben and I began having regular phone calls for the run of x10 shows that stretched from Hamilton, ON to Halifax, NS.

*“KIN” LP FAN SHOT  - BY  @HELGE.NEUMMAN

I remember this being an INSANELY busy 6 months considering we were also in the middle of planning the first Volume of Rhune Mountain Fest, Frederic Couture and I were also planning the Sons of Arrakis and Salem’s Bend “Great Scattering Tour”, Sun Below and Earth Altar were also on a short run of shows, Cannabus was in the middle of releasing “The Other Side” EP and touring, the Hazytones were on a long-winded 20-date album release tour, and we had just began the album release cycle for Occult Witches’ new album “Sorrow’s Pyre”.

I think  both Ben and I realized this was going to be an intense period of planning and decided to still make the best out of it despite the potential risk that inevitably came along with it.

Fast forward to the end of the tour and everything was obviously great! We both agreed that the working relationship was super chill and that when the time came, it would only make sense to discuss partnering up for their next full length album.

So here we are!

I often see “KIN” described as a “Desert Rock Odyssey”, and I can’t think of a more fitting label. This is MOOCH’s fourth full-length record, and it feels like they’ve expertly honed in on their sound.

While desert-rock is the main descriptor I would use, the combination of elements from stoner rock, to grunge, and blues give the album a well-rounded, and well-intentioned sound. With KIN, they lean harder into that crossover between desert rock, grunge, and psychedelic textures. In my view, it’s their strongest, most cohesive work yet.

*photo by @_upliftmedia

If you’re into anything that sits across desert rock, grunge, heavy psych, pop-driven rock, or even more acoustic/folk-tinged moments, I genuinely believe there’s something here for you.

MOOCH has crafted not a one-note record, but a layered journey.

I’d love for you to give it a spin. And if it hits you like it hits me, go the band’s BandCamp, give some support and share it. Let’s help more people discover this gem!

Purchase your copy of "KIN" on 180g Orange Sunburst Vinyl Here

And be sure to check out the album here if you haven't yet