by Alexandra Mrozowska
– Senior Columnist —
Do you remember Vanilla Ninja? This Estonian all-female band, whose music skillfully balanced on a border between radio-friendly pop rock and keyboard-driven ‘80s-infused pomp rock, enjoyed some success in the mid-2000s. Then, they ended up disappearing from the public eye towards the end of the decade. Although labeled a girl band at the time, Vanilla Ninja were no Spice Girls as their ‘80s edge and rock-flavored catchiness of their songs were appreciated more by the AOR aficionados than the teenybopper audience. Now, six years after we’ve heard from them for the last time, the band’s singer/guitarist Lenna Kuurmaa returns with a solo endeavor to be released by Frontiers Records.
Under the moniker of Moonland, the talented Estonian joins forces with the cream of the Italian rock scene – Francesco Marras on guitars, fellow female rocker Anna Portalupi on bass and Alessandro Polifrone on drums (as well as the acclaimed American guitarist/producer Bruce Gaitsch, who plays nylon guitar). But the real teaser that should encourage every melodic rock fan to check the album out is that the Kuurmaa’s partner in crime here is Alessandro Del Vecchio. The Italian wizard has his hands full here, playing keyboards and percussion, performing backing vocals as well as handling responsibility both of a producer and a songwriter.
Considering Lenna’s days in Vanilla Ninja, one’s perspective might be slightly skewed and some comparisons are therefore inevitable. The first track, “Heaven Is To Be Close To You” might not be a drastic detachment from Vanilla Ninja’s sound, but it clearly has some heavier vibe to it as compared with more pop-oriented sound of the band. “Open Your Heart” begins with a subtle, charming piano intro against the wailing guitar sound, what could have suggested a ballad – a supposition that is not entirely true, as the second track of the album develops into a polished, neat mid-tempo illustrated with some tinkly keyboards and saccharine choruses instead. “Crime Of Love” and “Poison Angel” are both splendid tracks, pure AOR with wall of thick keyboard sound, dynamic guitars and melodic, powerful vocals.
“When Love Is Gone” brings a dose of mellow melodic rock sound against Kuurmaa’s soaring, emotionally laden vocals, preceding a bit feistier “Out Of Reach”. Next track is a slow, charming “Live And Let Go” with heart-tugging, classy piano parts played by Del Vecchio against Marras’ wistful guitar licks – ballad-esque, but powerful. “Cold As Ice” speeds up a bit, again gravitating towards the heavier side of AOR. Its slightly slower follow-up “Over Me” features some tasteful duels between the omnipresent keyboard and the melodic guitar. Dynamic “Heart Made Of Steel” is a purebred rocker in its own right – the heaviest-Vanilla-Ninja-meets-contemporary-AOR, with certain ‘80s echoes that will make you hum and sing it under the shower for the next week (or month). The two final tracks “Look At Us Now” and “Another Day In Paradise” continue in the same feisty, energetic manner, proving that it’s perhaps the fast-paced AOR songs that Moonland and Kuurmaa are the most convincing at (although there’s a lot of praise regarding the ballad-esque part of the album, too).
Moonland feat. Lenna Kuurmaa marks the Estonian singer’s return to the stages worldwide and her fans who anticipated it won’t certainly be disappointed. It has all the qualities that once made Vanilla Ninja stand out among the bland pop outfits of the mid-2000s, but is more mature and, perhaps due to Alessandro Del Vecchio’s involvement, certainly on more rocking side of things. Compared to the likes of Heart and Roxette, it’s the high quality melodic rock album with brilliant songwriting, perfectly crafted melodies and many potential chart-favorites tailored for AOR-oriented radio stations. It’s also a showcase of Lenna’s talent as she turns out to fit perfect into the melodic rock genre with her expressive vocals, not even to mention the talents of all the musicians involved. Facts are that the female-fronted AOR has gained a new face with this album and that Alessandro Del Vecchio’s Midas touch still works – all to the mutual elation of Vanilla Ninja and melodic rock fans. If you ever belonged to any of these two groups, Moonland feat. Lenna Kuurmaa is an album you simply can’t miss.
Genre: Melodic Rock, AOR
Band:
Lenna Kuurmaa – lead vocals
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards, percussion, backing vocals
Francesco Marras – guitars
Bruce Gaitsch – nylon guitar
Anna Portalupi – bass
Alessandro Polifrone – drums
Track List:
1. Heaven Is To Be Close To You
2. Open Your Heart
3. Crime Of Love
4. Poison Angel
5. When Love Is Gone
6. Out Of Reach
7. Live And Let Go
8. Cold As Ice
9. Over Me
10. Heart Made Of Steel
11. Look At Us Now
12. Another Day In Paradise
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: https://www.facebook.com/moon.land.52035
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10
