This is the third album for Moonlife, and the first for the band as a duo, as Cassandra is no longer listed as a member of the band. Perhaps as a reflection of the departure of Cassandra, the songs on this album have a darker and more moody cast to them than the previous album.

The more moody side of Moonlife works really well, though. The combination of the delicate and catchy analog synths and sharply emotional lyrics yeild a album chock-full of songs you'll find yourself going back to again and again. "Where Were You" in my head had a hard time distinguishing itself from Erasure's "When I Needed You", but manages the task well. Similarly catchy and touching, but very distinctive at the same time. The track "The Lovehaters" sounds like it could have been written by M. Gore during the "Ultra" period, lyrically, but the musical tone of the track banishes any other DM comparisions. Full of deeply resonating synth bass, this track is striking in it's simplicity.

"I Didn't Know What I Had" is, simply put, a old-school dancable synthpop hit, begging to be remade in a extended club mix. "Is Something Wrong?" is the band's thoughts on the state of the world today, compressed and presented in a very catchy 4 & 1/2 minute song, touching on religion, politics, the environment, and even SPAM. The track is written in such a way that even if it does step on your toes, it does so evenly, dishing out criticism equally.

"Not Now" is simply a beautiful ballad, and the later instrumental "Lonely Departure" seems tailor-made for following this track. That's not to overlook the two tracks in between, as "Sail Away" is a very solid mid-tempo track and "You Take It Away" is a enjoyable dancier track. "Swan Song" makes for a excellent closing track, both giving a strong sense of completion to the album while also hooking you in and leaving you wanting more.

Basically, this is far and away the best Moonlife album so far, and an excellent addition to any synthpop (or pop) fan's collection. Highly recommended!!

- Jason Baker
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MOONLIFE “Where The Love Has Died” 5/17/06
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Bay Area Synthpop heroes Moonlife are back with their third release. Now a duo, Moonlife present us with their most subtle and mature-sounding release to date. There are a few more “moody” tracks here, with a few more midtempo and slower songs than in the past. The songwriting quality remains high, as you’d expect from Moonlife. Also, production is excellent, one of the best-produced discs by a local band that I have ever heard.

This CD is definitely worth spinning, so, play this CD!

E.O.
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