Gig Reviews

Rockingham 2017

One thing I love about the AOR/melodic rock genre – apart from the sheer quality of the songs and the musicianship – is the simple fact that the singers can actually do just that – sing: they can hold a note, and deliver the songs with passion and commitment. Moritz’s Peter Scallan is another prime example of this, and of how the UK in particular seems to possess some of the best voices in the business at the moment: many of them may be more mature than some of their, in particular, Scandinavian counterparts, but they sure as hell know how to deliver a quality rock song, as well as hit a high note that can make your ball hairs curl. All aided by a superbly tight band who interact easily, delivering huge, hummable hooks, choruses that instantly make you want to sing along and melodies that just stick in your head for ages afterwards. A terrific set from a band to whom I wish I’d paid more attention before now - but rectified that very quickly indeed by raiding their merch stall after one of the sets of the weekend.

Uber Rock

Moritz were making a rare live appearance to tie in with latest album ‘About Time Too’ and on opener ‘Fire’ I was struck how  Peter Scallan’s vocals had the rough-edge tone of fellow Scots Frankie Miller and Dan McCafferty.

In more AOR mould, though no less enjoyable,  were ‘To the Moon and Back’ and the sweet ballad ‘Should Have Been Gone’: however in a short set further curtailed by technical difficulties, what made them a touch different was the pleasing variety of styles on offer from  a lengthy bluesy ‘You Don’t Know What Love Is’,  to ‘Unwanted Man’ which reminded me of Deep Purple. ‘Same But Different’  was a grower that ended a pleasant surprise of a set.

Get Ready To Rock

The second band Moritz also hails from the UK. I wasn't familiar with their music to be honest, but when they opened with "Fire" from their third album "S.O.S." I was blown away! Singer Peter Scallan several times reminded me of Tobruk's Snake. Some of the tracks have similarities with that band, but also Airrace and FM came to mind. We got some tracks from all their albums, but the emphasis lied on their fresh album "About Time Too". Later on the day I congratulated Peter for his wonderful vocals during the set. They ended their set with a new track "Same But Different" and despite of the title it follows the line of their previous work.

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