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80's New Wave/
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Virginia, North
Carolina, & DC

Moon Pilot: Self-Titled
[self-released]

To be honest with you, I struggled with this one, and Im not sure why. My first guess was that the solo performances by Moon Pilot (which is Michal Sapir) driving through the four songs were just too raw, but I dont think thats it. Her recordings actually remind me of Liz Phairs Girlysound Demos, very stripped down, very pure and honest, which are all good qualities.

Could it be the songwriting? There are some clever hooks and genuinely open, truthful lyrics as well as a definite maturity to her songwriting. Sapire has been at it for a while playing in the bands Baby Tooth and Zero Balancer, and influences like the Smiths and Joy Division are easily heard throughout her songs. Again, these are good qualities.

What is it? I think it has something to do with those two good qualities working against each other. Sapires songs ask for more composition, and although you can hear the potential in each of her songs, some accompaniment would have flushed out some of the strong hooks and given her lyrics more dimension. The clean jangly guitar heard throughout the recordings got tiring and made each song seem monotonous. Is this just a rough draft for something bigger? Im hoping so. Im not a big fan of over production, but I think a little drum and bass would have made a difference.

But maybe Im missing the point; maybe they are strong the way they are. Go to the website, and you tell me.

Check Amazon, Insound and CD Universe to purchase this album.

Moon Pilot Official Website

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