MOONRAKER
Moonraker (Immergent)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Moonraker is a Boston based quintet with a unique approach to contemporary dance grooves that they've dubbed 'livetronica.' Depending on a drums, bass, guitar, keyboard lineup to back the distinctive, jazz inflected vocals of Kelli Scarr, they utilize instruments where others exploit electronics to create a blend of pop, ambient rock and trip hop with an R&B accent.

The result has created a loyal following which has snapped up thousands of copies of their self released LP and EP. Their new self-titled release includes re-recordings of some tracks from those previous efforts along with some brand new music. For most of us, though, it's all new, and it's all terrific. The reliance on instrumentation rather than electronics calls for a more personal level of communication between the group members, allowing for more expressive interactions than is commonly found in trance or electronica offerings, while the skill of the players results in solid grooves that fulfill the requirements of any dance floor, whether in a club or under your rolled up carpets.

There's more than dance grooves here, though, and if you just want to kick back and hear some great players work with solid beats, strong melodies and stories worth listening to, there's plenty of each. Moonraker is a special group of people, and they've created a special collection of sounds.

Track List:

Shalom * Courageous World * Sallmander * The Desert * There Walls * The Rescue * So Sweet * Connected * Can I Love * Modern Way

© 2003 - Shaun Dale