Reviewed by Steve Best

The three brothers Shearman are proving very popular live in their native Aotearoa (New Zealand to the rest of us; more specifically, Wellington) and on the evidence of this, their second album, it's not hard to see why. Moped's sound (and I love the name, by the way) is best described as groove-based reggae and rock, although there are myriad influences and nods that crop up here and there, including early Police, 2-Tone bands, even Athlete and the Ordinary Boys here and there, along with a lead vocal delivery from Hayden that reminds me at times of '80s singer/songwriter Joe Jackson - and that is meant as a compliment, by the way! Authentically echo-laden, Moped aren't afraid to worship along ("Look To You") in a genre that probably wouldn't be that used to worshipping. In general this kind of music doesn't translate well to record even though it goes down a storm live, but I think Moped have pulled it off pretty well on this occasion. Now, room for a small one on pillion?

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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