Moonraker
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Ectronic, alternative pop evolving into indie rock
Status:
Disbanded. Most recent release, Moonraker Remixes (remixes, 2008); most recent release of original studio material, Time for the Parting (ep, 2004)
See also:
CD Baby's Moonraker pageThe Ectophiles' Guide's entry for vocalist Kelli Carr's solo work
Comparisons:
Esthero, Hooverphonic, Dido, Moorcheeba, Portishead, maybe a touch of early The Moon Seven Times
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
In the wake of the trip hop star bands, came a slew of talented but overlooked indie bands in the same genre. Moonraker is one of these. Probably the only reason they aren't better known was that they didn't produce singles the way the bands with greater acclaim did. Their music is solid, the songwriting strong, and the vocals powerful. Their music depends more on the vocals and guitar/drums than beats—though there certainly are beats. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Recommended first album:
Nada Brama remains my favourite
Recordings:
- Moonraker EP (ep, 2002)
- Nada Brama (2001)
- Breathe...live 2002 (live, 2002)
- Moonraker (2003)
- Peeg Vater (2004)
- Time for the Parting (ep, 2004)
- Moonraker Remixes (remixes, 2008)
Nada Brama
Release info:
2001—self-released
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Kelli Scarr-vocals
David Moltz—guitar
Dan Mintzer—drums
Dan Chen—keyboards
Kody Akhavi—bass
Nate Greenberg—decks
Guest artists:
Dan Brantigan—trumpet (4)
Mary Elizabeth Holby—violin (2)
Produced by:
Comments:
Funky and delicious trip hop in the Moorcheeba vein. "Shalom" in particular is a classic of slowcore trip hop. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Breathe....live 2002
Release info:
2002—self-released
Availability:
CD Baby
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Comments:
This album has only a few hints of audience sounds, almost all at the ends/beginnings of songs, so it sounds almost like a studio release. It's mostly mellower, jazzy-thythm tunes. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Peeg Vater
Release info:
2004—self-released
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Kelli Scarr—vocals
Dan Mintzer—drums, drum programming
Kody Akhavi—bass
David Moltz—guitar
Dan Chen—keyboards
Guest artists:
Nate Greenberg—drum programming
Produced by:
Nate Greenberg and Moonraker
Comments:
This album has them moving more solidly into indie rock territory. A good mix of mellower and driving tracks, with the emphasis on the energetic tracks. A solid and compelling album that doesn't deserve to languish relatively undiscovered. It's a rewarding listen. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Time for the Parting EP
Release info:
2004—Third Earth Music—3EM-057
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended for fans of indie rock
Group members:
Dan Mintzer—drums, drum programming
David Moltz—guitar
Kody Akhavi—bass
Kelli Scarr—vocals
Dan Chen—keyboards
Produced by:
Sanchez Esquire
Comments:
A more stripped-down, mainstream rock turn for the band. Their talent still shows, but I found this not as interesting as their earlier music. Fans of indie rock may enjoy this four-track ep more than I did. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
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