The punk rock songstress Suzi Moon sure did impress us with her first pair of EPs (Call The Shots and Animal), and this debut album comes with much anticipation. Surprisingly, most of the tunes here were written and recorded before the EPs were released, but Moon wanted to devote more time to fine tuning them. Even though she now calls Washington D.C. home, she still embraces her California influences like Social Distortion, Green Day, Rancid and Sugarcult for this 10-track affair.
Moon wisely places the thumping drums and searing guitars of the title track in the lead-off position, where her tuneful but raw vocals guide the furious rocker. “Family Memories” follows, and showcases flowing vocal harmonies alongside the dynamic and swift rhythm section.
Approaching the middle, “Money” enters toe tappin’, head bobbin’ territory with its crisp drums and bouncy pop appeal, while “I Go Blind” is a bit more subdued and displays a powerful and precise version of Moon’s punk rock appeal. “Any Other Way,” the best tune here, then goes right back to the early days of punk with its blistering pace and firm attitude that you can sing along to while leaping into the pit.
Deep on the back half, the energetic and busy “Believe In Luv” unfolds with an anthemic quality, and “Freedom” exits with a bit of playful rhythm, acoustic guitar and somewhat of a campfire demeanor that illustrates just how eclectic Moon can be.
Moon enlisted Davey Warsop (Sharp/Shock, Suedehead) for production duties, who really brings out the warmer side of her song craft, where power-pop moments and much diversity are present and appreciated. Though it might be a bit early to make this call, at the rate and quality of her work, it won’t be long before Suzi Moon resides on a level comparable to Joan Jett, The Interrupters or The Go-Go’s.
