Moritz - 'About Time Too'

A platter of pure AOR with a slightly ballsier edge than its predecessor.

I hadn't realised how long it had been since British AOR-ster's Moritz's last album 'S.O.S', so I'm sure fans of pure AOR will be awaiting their new album 'About Time Too' with bated breath. I know these guys are really popular, especially in the underground scene, but I've always felt they lacked that killer punch to be a truly awesome band. I like them and enjoy their sound and style, but they always seem one step behind – this release hasn't changed that opinion. Moritz and '...Too' can be somewhat hit and miss, and whilst one song can have me singing along like a mad man, the next can leave me underwhelmed and anxiously waiting for the track to kick in or grab my attention.

Once again, Moritz deliver a platter of pure AOR with a slightly ballsier edge than its predecessor, yet still with that unmistakable British AOR vibe very much at the forefront of their song-writing. I think fans of old-school FM will adore this, I personally feel that's a big part of the reason these guys are popular as these songs evoke memories not only of that band but also that era of British AOR. I hear touches of Outside Edge too, which I know is an obscure reference but I'm sure big fans of Moritz will know this band extremely well.



There's lots to enjoy and embrace on this album for AOR fans, sing-along choruses, lush melodies, prominent keyboards and driving guitar riffs. I'm a big fan of vocalist Peter Scallan's voice and style which is absolutely perfect for AOR; it's smooth and soaring but with some balls when a song needs that extra vocal impact.

When they fire on all cylinders, Moritz pump out some amazing tunes like the feel good 'Moon And Back' which has an upbeat summertime feel to it. It's an extremely catchy, pure AOR song with a big sing-along chorus. 'Love Long Gone' was the track that hit me first with its infectious keyboards and it's a perfect Melodic Rocker with its killer chorus and gripping guitars. I would suggest that the melancholic, Blues-infused ballad 'You Don't Know What Love Is' is best enjoyed with a bottle of very cheap whiskey!

'About Time Too' has some truly great moments and is well worth the time of any self-respecting pure AOR fan. I'm sure many will hold this album aloft with pride and joy!

Paul Woodward