Clill Blanzin
Artist: Moritat
Label: Independent
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Duration: 10 tracks, 49:40
Moritat could be the reincarnation of the ‘70s
Colorado-based group Zephyr while substituting Tommy Bolin’s famed guitar work
for synth. The similarity is manifested in Venus Laurel’s vocals compared to
the late Candy Givens of Zephyr. Like Givens, Laurel’s accentuated vocals
highlight the selections on this inaugural offering by Moritat, a Chicago based
power group. Laurel’s synth / keyboards highlight the mix, the bass of
Kanstantin Jace is ever present providing solid foundations and Corey
McCafferty’s drums set a heavy undertone for each song.
“Cats” paints a picture with shoe daze vocals and heavy rock
backing painting a dream-like picture of wanting. “Noise” follows with an ambient,
slower moving pulse while continuing with Laurel’s strong, directional vocals. Her
vocal overlay brings a great dimension to this song. Both pieces set the tone
for the album.
Change in direction is brought forward with “Snowpusher”, a relationship
song with male lead vocals while Laurel provides backing vocals. Along with
“Automatic Lover”, these heavier, slower, darker songs lose the intensity of
the first two offerings.
A surprising electro-pop instrumental can be found midway
through the selection in the short “This Is On” delivering a great break to
pick up the heartbeat of the album. One of the best offerings is found in the
pop-oriented “I Forgot To Kiss Her”.
Solid vocals, simple guitar strumming and percussion are accentuated by
flowing keyboards making this a winner.
Wheelin’ sets the stage for Laurel’s persuasive vocals with dramatic
phrasing, ‘I want to be your gracious queen, only for your eyes, I need to be
your everything, you spin around me’. The
album completes with a series of disconnected songs underlined by “Shopping”,
an ‘80s Devo-like song with dark lines, misplaced breaks, and an odd chorus.
At times Moritat reminds the listener of early ‘70s prog
psych, at others like ‘80s new wave.
What stands out are Laurel’s vocals, and powerful bass/percussion
underlying each song. The album’s
overall message losses a consistent story line with a number of misplaced
songs. The silver lining exists in songs
like “Cats” and “I Forgot To Kiss Her”.
SS Mertens
2 tocks
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