Ike Moriz is a force to be reckoned with. He has managed to successfully produce several 
albums in different genres and they are all good! That's a rarity. Many artists like to 
dabble in different genres on one project, but fail because they are not giving their fans 
what they expect. Ike seems to have done just that. He displays his passion for music by 
giving us a variety to choose from. I think that's pretty cool.

This album, Mirrors and Shade was recorded back in 2004 on his label Mosquito 
Records. Most tracks were produced with a retro pop sound, although some have a tinge
more rock instead of pop. This album showcases Ike's vocal ability to transform each 
song into something fresh and new each time. This may be due to his superb acting 
skills. He's multi-talented! 

The title track has the bubbly melodies and catchy hook to keep you humming along well 
after the song is over. I like the mood he creates on Flame Blue. It is simple and mellow 
with the perfect touch of soft guitar to accompany the raw and emotional vocals. He flows
right into the next song, You Could (Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me), with a bit more dismal 
tone.

This album has more ballads, but he's a crooner so they are nicely done. The one song, 
'Visionary' is a little more up-tempo, but the vocals are dark and heavy compared to 
other songs on the album. My favorite would probably be 'Drowning (In London Town) 
due to the instrumentation and the fact that it's more upbeat. All in all, I recommend 
giving him a listen. He has a knack for delivering exceptionally good music!

Review by: Leslie White
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Ike Moriz - Mirrors And Shade (Mosquito Records London) 
South African recording artist Ike Moriz is something of a rarity insofar that he maintains a recording career in two completely separate genres. For the most part he's a crooner, singing songs from the Great American Songbook, wowing Capetown supper club audiences and releasing a steady flow of albums that have drawn comparisons to Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. On the other hand he's a singer-songwriter of a decidedly English, alternative bent. 

"Mirrors And Shade" was originally released in 2004 when Moriz was based in London, and listening to its 11 songs I'm reminded of groups like Be-Bop Deluxe, Suede and Gene, and of course, David Bowie, who was later to declare himself a fan. On the strength of the material presented here, it's an easy position to take. In particular, the title track is just a perfect slice of retro indie pop with abundant hooks, a lively melody and a chorus that sticks like glue. Others of a similar ilk follow suit. "You Could (thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me)" is plaintive and drips melancholy but not at the expense of pop thrills, "Fall Into the Sun" is a soundtrack in waiting for a decent summer and "Drowning (in London Town)" encapsulates the experience of many groups who come to the capital, with bonus nods to Oasis and early Blur along the way.
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