ARTIST OF THE MONTH.
Introduction.
At the beginning of last year, I was teetering back and forth with the idea of what to post under my “Music” section. I am surrounded by family and friends who are either musicians or music lovers just like myself. And if you’ve seen my instagram stories, you know I love a variety of genres. Many of you may not share my musical taste so some of the artist I pick may not resonate with your groove. But for those of you who are curious, click the links I provide and take a journey and I hope you hear something you like. If not, maybe next time.
I created Artists of the Month so I can share the story about some of the musical artists that have illuminated my path, through the darkest of moments, and those who have lightened my way through the good, the bad and the ugly. These artists have created the soundtrack of my life. We all have a soundtrack whether we know it or not.
I’d also love this to be an opportunity for you guys to share the artists and songs that have shaped the soundtrack of your lives. Whatever moves you, moves you. There is no wrong when it comes to personal taste and the truly beautiful thing is that soundtracks of our lives evolve as we evolve.
Moke.
This month, I’d like to highlight the band Moke. They are without question one of the least known and underrated bands of the last 25yrs.
Moke is John Hogg (vocals, guitar), Sean Genockey (guitar), Alex Evans (bass guitar), John Morgan (drums), a British alternative rock band formed in London England who released two albums called SuperDrag ( 1998) and Carnival (2001).
Moke have been compared to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Tesla. I also think they have a sound influenced by King’s X, Rage against the Machines and preceded the soundalike band Audioslave.
What truly sets them apart is that within each song is a melody that you can lock into. Towards the end of the nineties, music transitioned into insta hit throw away downloadable 3 minute mostly forgettable jingles. I think Moke got lost in that transitional shuffle from true musicianship to pop pulp. Maybe the whole world did.
Superdrag.
Super yes, drag no. What an introduction though. This is how you want a first album to hit you!
My favorites off this album are Wheel in Motion, Power Cut and In your Dreams, yet most of the time I listen from start to finish.
Carnival.
Is it better than the first album? All I can say is it picks up where it left off….with a freaking kick.
I gotta say the song Fluicide is epic! It starts off deceptively slow and almost whimsical, then takes you on a journey back to the days of the Beatles, Grunge and XTC ( a great english band that I will review in the future ), and the lyrics inspired by a mixed race singer who openly talks of the pull between both black and white influences and the expectation each side put upon him. There are too many favorites to speak of on this album. “My Degeneration” starts you off with a gritty guitar that says, welcome back. Then you slide into “Slide” and “Today” and you start to ask yourself, who are these guys again? Perhaps the reason they aren’t well known is because they were simply beyond the pigeon hole.