Alison Moyet - The Minutes

Artist: Alison Moyet

CD title: The Minutes

Label: Metropolis Records

Genre: Alternative

Released: June 11th, 2013

In one of the most surprising releases of the year Alison Moyet returns with her 8th full-length album, The Minutes, and it is almost fitting that it be released on Metropolis Records. Not because Moyet "goes dark" or some such nonsense, but because of the direction that a lot of "dark alternative music" has gone in the past year or so.

For those who are not familiar with Alison Moyet, the British singer is well known for her contributions to bands such as The Vandals, and Yazoo. Her style combines elements of punk rock, new wave, and blues to create a rich sound that can't be confined to one single genre. This Brit-pop punk veteran has been making music since the late 70's and her experience and dedication to her own style is made apparent in this album. The Minutes isn't directed at a particular audience nor does it want to be.

The album opens with the ethereal and wistful "Horizon Flame". Moyet's bluesy vocals flow over gentle rain-like synths and soft beats. Shifting gears to darker and more severe tone, the album moves into the debut track, "Changeling". Changeling" opens with a simple guitar rift and adds in skitchy sounding synths and programming on top of a hard rock drum beat. If you've been a fan of IAMX's earlier work I would highly recommend giving "Changeling" a listen. "When I Was Your Girl" could have been ripped from a late 80's soft rock album. Everything about this song is unapologetic Top 40 in its execution from the angry heartbroken lyrics to the wailing guitars. "Love Reigns Supreme" is the optimistic mirror to "When I Was Your Girl" with frantic synths mimicking that frenetic feeling of young love where every word and action fills you with excitement and hope. The album closes with "Rung by the Tide", opening with church bells and low humming synths and ending with soaring church organs and vocal choirs that dissolve into a cacophony of bells.

Listening to The Minutes, I got a sense of creative freedom being realized. I don't get the impression that Moyet felt beholden to a single vision or audience while making the album. This was a chance to cut lose and explore all of her past and present influences with no care to what her future albums would sound like. A perfect snapshot into the creative mind of this industry veteran. What surprised me more was that this album was being released on Metropolis Records. It is by no stretch of the imagination goth, industrial or EBM. There is nothing "scene" about this release, but looking back at some of the stand out albums from 2012, it makes total sense that The Minutes is an album that Metropolis Records would host. Several "Dark Alternative" bands have been adding more pop and alternative rock elements breaking them away from the more traditional styles of industrial and EBM. Continues, Polaroid Kiss, and IAMX to name some. Considering these recent trends, its not surprising that the Minutes found Metropolis as its home for U.S. Release.

While I don't really expect to suddenly see Alison Moyet be the talk of the Dark Alternative music scene, I do encourage everyone to go give this album a listen. It is perfect for anyone wanting a break from the norm, or a really good album to add to your day to day playlist. Especially if you're a fan of Imogen Heap, IAMX, or Florence and the Machine. Here's hoping that Metropolis brings us more great albums like this one.

Take a Listen: "Right As Rain"

Overall Rating: 4 of 5

Buy Alison Moyet- The Minutes