Well, here’s a lass that doesn’t hang about! Dusting off the detritus from the implosion of L.A. Machina a mere seven months ago, Suzi Moon is back again, this time to launch a solo career with debut EP, ‘Call The Shots’. Bursting at the seams with excitement to be signed to her new label, they in turn describe Suzi as restless, ground-breaking and boundlessly creative. No pressure… although, judging from the album cover she isn’t about to shy away from the challenge.
First listen doesn’t blow my mind, but I set it on repeat and let the EP sink in, to hear that ‘I’m Not A Man’ is the best track from these three tasters. I wasn’t expecting that to be honest, as I’m the first to admit I’m not a huge feminist. Yet it’s here that the attitude, in the way the lyrics are delivered. Add in to- the-point lyrics and bass-heavy rhythm really and it really comes together to make something that is timelessly relatable. I believe her in this one. It’s a glimpse of the glittering core at the centre of this grunge girl and it’s the track for me that lets her experience shine through.
In ‘Nuthin’ To Me’ the low timbre and snarl of Moon’s voice works really well to bring the emphasis and cut-glass edge to the simple lyric. No, it’s not complex but that’s great punk rock, distilled to a few pointed lyrics set on the back of a foot tapping, head shaking rhythm. In this one Moon’s attitude makes it jump, and she’s got more personality than most. There are also the added lead guitar solos that give it some extra dimension.
Unfortunately, the first single, ‘Special Place In Hell’, isn’t the best song here. Although the lyrics have shock value that could be used to win fans ‘’I let you come inside, Steal a little piece of my design’’ it’s still been done before (musically, I meant musically) . I found the howling chorus a little irritating if I’m honest. Maybe I need to see it live. I concede that I’m potentially more likely to howl in that situation than sitting in my joggers with a glass of red.
Whether or not Suzi Moon is a punk rock aficionado is not in question, like everyone says, it’s what she’s done since she was 15 years old. But it’s for you to decide what that experience equates to. The more I listen, the more I want to hear – but that which carries Suzi may also drag her down. Brash, boisterous, brazen and well, restless, Moon admits that in life and music she’s ‘’Up for Whatever’’. A free spirit, she seems to go where the wind blows. Something that I’d say might make the label nervous that she’ll change direction again. Maybe if she could stick with something for long enough, people could figure out who she is and what she wants. Maybe she would figure that out too?
Each band Moon has been a part of (Civet/Turbulent Hearts) has had a definite edge but many have also had a very specific image, most notably L.A. Machina who appeared to be punk-rock caricatures. Perhaps, if she’s not being forced into a box, Moon can now concentrate on her music and creative skills. After all the endings of these shorter projects must really have hurt. Take when L.A. Machina vaporized: if they really did admire each other so much in the past then that’s got to have had an impact somewhere. If not on the band, then certainly on the fans. Perhaps if Suzi can now concentrate on the music, we will get to see what she can really do. Somewhat ironically, she just needs to be careful not to put herself back in the box.
Suzi Moon is someone who is meant to be in the industry she’s in. Extroversion, attitude and fearlessness are clearly in evidence. Ground-breaking? In my opinion, not yet. Keep it coming. Stick with it, Suzi.
- ‘Call The Shots’ is released on Friday (21 May). You can get your copy HERE.
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