Shannon Moore

Review by Thom Jurek

Shannon Moore is a songwriter whose done well in getting her work to the movies and television. She's recorded a previous album entitled LTD that appeared on the tiny FMA label in 1999, but for all practical purposes, Evaporate is her true arrival. Issued the newly launched Water Records imprint 10 Spot, the album is a near stellar collection of original American rock and pop tunes written with grace, rough hewn elegance and guts. Moore understands the nuances of the craft of songwriting and has been at it awhile. That Evaporate appears on the scene as an album by a fully developed artist isn't just a plus for her; it's a privilege for the great numbers of listeners who are continually inundated by dross, empty hype and utterly vapid records by pretty boys and girls who will record anything put in front of them, or write songs without having any idea-experientially or professionally-of their subject matter or craft. Somewhat of a hubbub has been made of the similarity of Ms. Moore's voice to Chrissie Hynde's and Aimee Mann's. That is such a superficial observation it really doesn't hold water. Moore's vocal phrasing is fluid, and is all her own. She is a fine singer in her own right who understands how to stretch syllables and phrases without letting them disintegrate into breathiness. Her words are delivered with a crystalline freshness. A number of producers assisted in the construction of Evaporate, but with remarkably similar sounding results-one can only assume this has as much to do with Ms. Moore's sense of vision and control over her own project0- n John Wood, Martin Feveryear and Marlon McLain. The title track which opens the album is a perfect single. It's slippery backbeat, the ringing electric guitar that accents Ms. Moore's percussive acoustic, the snap and crackle of the snare drum and above all that ringing twelve string sound that covers the refrain all serve to accent the feeling of love and gratitude pouring like honey from her mouth into her beloved's in a yearning and affirmative kiss of truth and commitment. Her refrain separates from her voice like oil from water and her bridge is a small dreamy wonder. Quicksand's d shimmering double timed shnare and open guitar jangle is a beautiful introduction for the brazenness of her first lines; "Like a ready tangerine/easy to peel open/ You can take me apart/with your eyes . . . Like a glass of water when it reaches my mouth/You awaken every sense in me . . . " Only to express caution in her refrain: "You are just a mirage/Just a mirage/I keep telling myself/I'm slipping into quicksand . . " Desire is easy, it can also be a liar. As the guitars shift and phase her backing vocals cover her front lines it all becomes a dreamy soundscape that is also a tight pop song. There is something retro about Ms. Moore's sound, one can be reminded of everything from Tom Petty in the 1980s, to the Beatles to the Bangles at their best But Moore is a narrative songwriter who weaves everything from country to textured psychedelia into her songs but it doesn't stop there either. It comes off as smart rock and roll with a Mitch Easter pop feel. There isn't anything quirky or cute in her sound or her songs. They are straight up tomes about life its passions, stories, hopes, and disappointments. And in one way or another, even in tunes with a country lilt like "Angels Talk, there is such a class act sheen to them. The polish isn't excessive, it's simply that her tunes are finished. Her vocal range is used to fine effect in cuts like "Let It Go," with its lazy drum and guitar stroll until the rev up in the refrain. Country radio being what it is in the 21st century would do well to consider "Who Am I Now," as a single and, because of its stunning imagery and its loose backwoods late night feel would make for a great video. This cut in particular showcases the way Ms. Moore uses the economy of language as a device to propel the listener into her imagery,. She sets scenes where th meaning can take root and project itself. The album closes with "Meltddown," a gorgeous pop song drenched in warm atmospherics courtesy of Alex Kane's trippy electric guitar playing, Chris Hockey's brushed drums and the sparse moodiness of Arlan Scheribaum's B3. "When everything breaks downs and you don't have time to fix it/And nobody really seems to care/The water is gone and your left gasping for air/And you melt down, meltdown, meltdown/Will you take me home, wherever that is? Will you take me home? . . ." Theat the set ends on a question mark is one of the most beautiful aspects of this little journey into the heart of life in all its small glories and scuffed episodes. The bottom line is, Evaporate is one smart, professional recording form an artist who isn't afraid of getting her hands dirty in order to keep her heart open. Evaporate is one of those great surprises that someone who understands the inherent everyday magic in rock and roll can still bestow. - AllMusic.com

"Shannon truly possesses all the ingredients needed for stardom. At times, Moore has an almost Chrissie Hynde - like feel to her voice, filling her vocals with dramatic inflections and soulful phrasing. Yet, the most important thing to remember is that Moore is above all a top-flight songwriter and already has a development deal with Sony Music Publishing. But for her to remain in obscurity as merely a songwriter would be a crime. For no one could sing her personal songs with such conviction and passion that Moore brings forth with a searing emotional temperament.” - Music Connection

"L.A. - Based singer Shannon Moore - Dapped out in white crinoline bellbottoms, brown diamond check shirt and wielding a glitter guitar - ripped her band into a crunchy set of '70's -influenced rock and roll a la Lenny Kravitz. Well worth checking out!! - Vancouver Province

“Moore says that one of her main goals as a songwriter is to help people evolve spiritually – ‘I'm very real and honest, and what moves me most importantly is to help people with their difficulties. Music is a powerful medium. It recalls times in your life such as memories of your first kiss, etc. I'm honored to create it.’" - Dayton Daily News

“Moore said ‘the '70s twist just sort of worked itself out over time. Having grown up on Pink Floyd, early Genesis, Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan, it seemed natural. On being a woman in rock, Shannon says she wants to just be herself. "Be a person, and be respected as a person. I am a sensual being and I will be myself on stage. Generally, only men are respected for that. To me, it's more about the music.’ Most of her influences are male rockers.” - Vancouver Province

“Shannon Moore is the goddess of song and by the end of this weekend; you'll probably know that, should you see her perform. Combining the spunk and fire of Chrissie Hynde and sexy savvy of Sheryl Crow, Shannon knows how to deliver a song, weather she's solo or with her band. Find out why we feel she's the real deal.” - High Sierra Music Festival