Moenia’s self-titled debut is not quite what an avid fan would expect. While the substance of the tracks falls neatly into the synthpop category, the sound is distinctly closer to that of New Order, OMD and Erasure. This owes a lot to the change in lead vocalists. Juan Carlos Lozano was the lead vocalist when Moenia debuted in 1997. Although Alfonso Pichardo had been a part of the band, he left before the album was recorded because he was frustrated by Mexico’s apparent lack of interest in electronic and synthesized music. Although the album garnered gold in Mexico and the U.S., Lozano left Moenia to form his own, more guitar-centered band, Morbo. This left the door open for Pichardo to reunite with his bandmates for the 1999 release of “Adicion.”

Despite the difference in lead vocals, Moenia’s debut is definitely worthy of inclusion in their lineup. Unlike DM, Moenia’s songs are a true collaboration. Most tracks on their albums are collaborations between band mates Jorge Soto, Midi! Hayashida and Alfonso Pichardo. Although Pichardo did not sing on their self-titled debut, he helped composed 8 of the 12 songs on the album. With Hayashida covering the production on all their albums, there is a strong continuity, despite the change in vocalists.

“Moenia,” like other first releases by famous synthpop artists, has a rougher sound than current incarnations, which are rich in depth and breadth of sound. The synthesizer is less refined and the electronic sounds more dominant, but the music is solid and enjoyable. Like anyone will ever think “People are People” has gone out of style! Lozano’s voice is enjoyable. Higher pitched than Pichardo’s, Lozano brings a rough, gravel sound to his voice which is much more comparable to the lead singers of OMD and The Psychedelic Furs.

“Estabas Ahi,” “Dejame Entrar,” “No Importa Que El Sol Se Muera” and “No Puedo Estar Sin Ti” are strong tracks and released as singles. “Estabas Ahi” and “Dejame Entrar” have similar sounds and are both bouncy pop hits; perfect for dancing. In contrast, “No Importa Que El Sol Se Muera” is a slower dance track, much more along the lines of New Order. “No Puedo Estar Sin Ti” is a strong track, but slows down slightly into each verse. The transitions bring the track down from a five- to a four-star rating.

Although not singles, “Color Melancolia,” “Terminales,” “Metamorfosis” and “Tolerancia Cero” are all very strong tracks. “Color Melancolia” rivals popular club tracks from OMD and New Order. “Terminales” brings in stronger synth chords, foreshadowing Adicion’s strong follow up. It even contains a much deeper and richer sound in the vocal tracks. I’m not certain, but I’d swear that has to be Pichardo not Lozano singing lead. It is one of three tracks on the album that definitely smack of Depeche Mode ala “Music for the Masses.” It is followed by “Metamorfosis,” an instrumental track which also heavily mimics “Music for the Masses” with its rapid beats and sense of urgency that are found in “Behind the Wheel” and “Agent Orange.” Halfway through, “Metamorfosis” grows stronger with a heavier dance beat. It is perfect for a night at the club. “Tolerancia Cero” has a very similar sound to “Metamorfosis” and carries longer sections of instrumental between Lozano’s short verses. This gives the track a feel closer to that of Erasure or even The Pet Shop Boys.

“Y Nada Que Hacer” and “Ya Me Acostumbre” are also strong tracks. “Y Nada Que Hacer” is a slower ballad. For those possessing the “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack, it’s something like “Bring on the Dancing Horses” by Echo & The Bunnymen with a touch of OMD thrown in for good measure. Meanwhile, “Ya Me Acostumbre” mixes “If You Leave” with the sounds of “Pretty in Pink.” Translated, the song could easily fit on the soundtrack. “The moment has arrived to tell you how I feel about you. I am tired from so much insistence. If you ask, I will tell you.”

The remaining two tracks are adequate, although nothing special. “Contigo Estare” brings in sounds highly compatible with Erasure’s “Wild” album. A slower ballad, as usual I probably judge it a little hard for failing to really pick up the tempo at any point. On the other hand, “Estoy Tan Cansado” hearkens back to the weaker tracks on Depeche Mode’s “Some Great Rewards” and “People are People.” Soft and slow, I probably grade it too harshly as well. If truth were told, I readily find myself singing to the songs before I click on them and after they have already past. Both songs are easily a solid three-stars, pushing towards four. “Estoy Tan Cansado” also brings in a fantastic violin and fades out to the sounds of the ocean. The chords in both songs are beautiful and they are worthy of playing while driving through the fog up highway 1 to San Francisco.

Individual Track Ratings (* to *****):

1. Estabas Ahi (You Were There) *****
2. Y Nada Que Hacer (And There’s Nothing to Be Done) ****
3. Dejame Entrar (Let Me In) *****
4. Contigo Estare (With You I Will Be) ***
5. No Importa Que El Sol Se Muera (It Doesn’t Matter If the Sun Dies) *****
6. Color Melancolia (The Color of Melancholy) *****
7. No Puedo Estar Sin Ti (I Can’t Be Without You) *****
8. Terminales (Endings) *****
9. Metamorfosis (Metamorphosis) *****
10. Ya Me Acostumbre (I’m Already Accustomed) ****
11. Estoy Tan Cansado (I’m So Tired) ***
12. Tolerancia Cero (Zero Tolerance) *****

---------Check out my other CD reviews---------------

http://www.epinions.com/content_410826215044
http://www.epinions.com/content_415198383748
http://www.epinions.com/content_411964444292
http://www.epinions.com/content_412044332676
http://www.epinions.com/content_411525877380
http://www.epinions.com/content_411960381060
http://www.epinions.com/content_412017528452

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving