ECLIPSE OF THE MOOD by MOONROCK Posted: 12.17.2002 3769 Views
TRACK LISTING
1. The Deed Is Done
2. See A Lot
3. Time To Play
4. I Think It's Over
5. Let It Flow
6. Everybody Everywhere (B! Machine Remix)
7. Real Cool Party
8. Golden Days
9. Tonight I Am Safe
10. Already Gone (B! Machine Remix)
LABEL:
Lunar Entertainment
RELEASED:
2002
MOONROCK
ECLIPSE OF THE MOOD
Moonrock are an American duo of Dan Morgan and Jack D.Elliot and while they have an obvious similarity to many of the current crop of US synthpop bands they eshew the sometimes whimsical commerciality of many of their counterparts in favour of something slightly more restrained, a little mysterious even whilst still retaining that all important flair for crafting excellent and imfectious melodies. When such a combination is executed so well it can only make for an enjoyable listen and that proves to be the case here although the opening "This Deed Is Done" might well prove a bit misleading as the presence of guitar and (what sounds like) accoustic percussion emphasises the 'rock' half of the band's name with some new-wave touches. Fear not though, synthpoppers as the rest of the album sticks to more traditional synthpop realms.
"Already Gone" and "Everybody Everywhere" are both remixes by B! Machine of tracks from Moonrock's 2001 album "Power To The People". Not having heard this earlier release I'm unable to pass comment as to how these might have been changed or improved on but they both fit in perfectly with the darker synthpop style of newer tracks such as "Time To Play", "Golden Days" and the more minimalistic and rhythmically inclined "Everybody Everywhere" all helping to keep the synthpop style alive and kicking.
The use of a number of different vocalists also give the album extra flavour and while Elliot's vocals are perfectly competent "See A Lot" benefits from the feminine touch of Jemma as does the aforementioned closer "Already Gone" and the dreamily romantic ballad "I Think It's Over". The happier sounding "Tonight I Am Safe" does expose some flaws in Damian Hrunka's voice as while his treated deadpan delivery compliments the track perfectly for the most part he loses it slightly when he attempts a more tuneful style on the chorus. At the end of the day it doesn't really affect the track to any degree so no harm is done.
All in all this is a solidly enjoyable album that will appeal to most if not all synthpop fans.
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