Indiepop Spinzone, Pennsylvania, USA, Sept 2002, Review of 'Fall Into the Sun'

Indiepop Spinzone, Pennsylvania, USA, Sept 2002: Review of 'Fall Into the Sun' (Ike Moriz's debut EP/single, Mosquito Records London):

Hip-ometer Rating ~ 9 

Ike Moriz - "Fall Into the Sun EP" Our Ike here is another bloke from South Africa and a friend of Dale Olivier who pointed him in my direction, whereupon he sent me this EP. He has been in a few other bands in and around Europe, but this is his first attempt at a solo career. (and it is a self released effort) The title track is very unusual in that it seems to tread in very modern waters while retaining many elements of 70's solo styling. He has quite an articulate voice and isn't afraid to use it, in almost a Bowie-esque way but with far more range. That was what probably made me unsure of this at first, as that isn't the kind of thing many can do so you don't exactly hear it often. The song itself is upbeat, but more ballad like than a true pop single. The sort of song that continually grows on you. The other tracks are Another Day which is a slow, emotive and plaintively sung song with very sparse instrumental accompaniment, but the emotion comes off as fairly genuine. The last track Drowning (In London Town) has a more modern line and sort of reminds me of perhaps a mix of the bands Gene and Suede. There are elements of blues guitar, funk groove, 70's glam and 90's Alternative rock on this disc. It's all that and none of it. He has a nice style and a good voice and if you buy singles and can get this it is quite recommended. I think, like Dale, his best stuff is yet to come, as he appears to be an artist whose power will grow as he comes to learn himself, and I look forward to hearing the debut LP. You can check out a trimmed mp3 of the title cut by clicking here. 

Label ~ www.ikemoriz.com, 3 Tracks, 2002