Moritz | Undivided

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by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer

Finally cult AOR/melodic rock band Moritz have come to release their debut album in 2011. Led by guitarist Greg Heart, Moritz was active during the mid 80s having released an EP yet unable to secure a recording contract the group disbanded while shortly after Greg re-emerged with female fronted melodic hard rock/glam metal outfit “If only.”

In 2008 Hart released his solo project/album under the name Hartless followed by Moritz demos a year later which subsequently led to the reformation of the group that entered the studio in 2010 to cut Undivided their full length debut album. The line up of Moritz features lead singer Pete Scallan, guitarists Greg Hart and Mike Nolan, keyboardist Andy Stewart bassist Ian Edwards and drummer Mick Neaves.

The band have remained true to their original sound featuring subtle rhythm section, infectious guitar, keyboard melodies and sing-along choruses. It is interesting to note that Undivided takes a turn to the harder melodic rock from track 6, onwards. Perhaps the opener, “Power of the Music” is a too happy tune for the musical drama that follows while “Undivided” is the song to set the mood for album with a solid chorus, robust guitar and commanding staccato keyboards. “Same But Different” is the riff-oriented and probably heaviest song on the album while “Any Time at All” is the protestant statement of a rocker. And then of course comes “Without Love” a potential mega hit, totally indicative of the composing and performing abilities of Moritz with a chorus that does not get any more classic. “Never Together” is the dramatic mellow rocker that, vocals aside, might remind one of the softer side of fellow-Brits Heavy Pettin. Closing the album are the melancholic-as-it-gets ballad “Lonely Without You” and “World Keep Turning” plus a cover version of “Can’t Get Away,” the song of Lawrence Archer and the legendary Phil Lynott. Originally featured on Archer’s solo album, is re-worked here to perfection perhaps sounding even better than the original. Let’s not forget the surprising addition of “Who Do You Run To” featuring “If only” female vocalist Jackie Bodimead.

The majority of the album has been written by Greg Hart and Pete Scallan while the production is handled by Marty Wells and Greg. It has to be addressed that the mixing and mastering of the album sounds really old-school, definitely ‘80s style yet, not so extravagant. Imagine a similar sound production to Whitesnake’s Slide It in only slightly clearer and quite thicker and you have a good picture of what Undivided sounds like.

Moritz Undivided is undeniably worth its money as it offers a real handful of old-school AOR/melodic rock songs performed by experienced pros in a very honest proposition for melodic enthusiasts. Their make-up and big hair may be left behind but their music remains as substantial as ever.

Genre: AOR / Melodic Hard Rock

Band:
Pete Scallan : Vocals
Greg Hart : Guitars , keyboards , vocals
Mike Nolan : Guitar , vocals
Andy Steward , Piano , keyboards
Ian Edwards : Bass , vocals
Mick Neaves: Drums

Track List:
1. Power Of The Music
2. Undivided
3. Should’ve Been Gone
4. Who Do You Run To
5. Can’t Stop The Angels
6. Same But Different
7. Any Time At All
8. Without Love
9. Never Together
10. Lonely Without You
11. Can’t Get Away
12. World Keep Turning

Band website: www.myspace.com/moritzblitz

Label website: http://www.avenue-of-allies.com/News.html

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10