2020 finds Betty Moon in top form, as inspired as ever and handing over an EP that includes much of the diverse sounds that she has been able to explore and master throughout her extensive career.
Indeed, in the six tracks that comprise Translucent we will find the classic mix of rock, pop and electronic music that has been part of the repertoire of this Canadian artist for decades and that configures her personal style along influences from bands such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Madonna and Garbage, as well as good doses of EDM, chill, soul and funk. It might be an unlikely combination in the hands of newbies, but Betty not only has the credentials to dare to mix such different sounds, but she does so with the expertise of a pioneer.
The beginning couldn’t be more energetic and turns out as a blow that manages to capture the listener’s attention . “Don’t Stop Now” is the first track’s title and one of the few verses that make up the minimalist lyrics of a song that carries an infectious melody constructed around a sticky and omnipresent guitar riff to which she added a strong percussion that flirts with the dance floor. Betty encourages us to move forward despite everything we are going through these days and she does it by giving us a thunderous hit.
In “Your Dirty Love”, the beat drops and the seductive tone of the music increases: while Betty makes use of the versatility of her voice with exquisite overdubs, the bass describes sinuous and constant lines that create a cool atmosphere for a song that speaks of a love as pleasant as harmful.
Betty then tells us “I am a creature of the night with monsters in my head” turning “Monsters In My Head” into a dance-pop confession of less than 3 minutes, embellished with soft backing vocals, processed voices, keyboards and a very timely distorted guitar solo.
The electronic pulse returns on the next track, “Did It For Nothing”, perhaps the most introspective and melancholic song from this EP, on top of being a genuine sample of the Canadian strengths as a producer. It is an ambitious piece in which her voice stands out among synthesizers, loops and sharp, crisp drums.
Of course, there is always time for the most sophisticated groove throughout all the discography of this artist and “All He Is” unveils the diva within Moon in all her splendor. A delicious Wurlitzer anticipates all the sexual energy that this techno-soul ballad will distill during the whole four minutes it lasts.
“The Liar”, the last song on this album, sounds, like the previous tracks, incredibly modern and could be the envy of any of all the current pop superheroines. The lyrics say “I don’t want to be the last one standing” and at this point we could not only assure that Betty Moon was there before many of those stars who didn’t know how to update their sound after topping the charts but also that she still has a lot to share and teach in the universe of Anglo-Saxon pop music.
That’s Translucent, an EP that sounds exciting and fresh from start to end and deals with themes such as romantic relationships, society and the troubles of the mind, full of sounds that wander between pop, rock and electronics, always combined with refinement and good taste. Without a doubt, it is an excellent proposal for both Moon’s most die-hard fans and any music lover who wishes to enter the heterogeneous universe of this formidable Canadian singer, songwriter and producer.
I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Emiliano Doldan
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