Dotsun Moon

Review from The Big Takeover, Issue No. 68, Spring 2011, by Mark Suppanz

“This Buffalo, NY foursome’s groovy, sometimes trippy and dreamy electronic music has been compared with Massive Attack and Portishead (I hear bits of New Order as well), and those comparisons prove fitting on this debut. Although they don’t use a real drummer, the band compensates thanks to the continuously engrossing and multifaceted synths of Rami Abu-Sitta, the hard-edged guitar and percussive beats of founder Rich Flierl, and the deep, throbbing basslines of Brian Templeton. But Dotsun Moon’s secret weapon is the soulful and authoritative voice of Mary Ognibene. On tracks such as the breathy, skipping opener, “And I Rest,” the riveting , floor-thumping standout “Savages,” and the languid “Glory,” her powerhouse pipes repeatedly amaze. Though well suited for dance club PAs, 4am is also varied and intriguing enough for intent home listening (dotsunmoon.com).” - The Big Takeover, Issue No. 68, Spring 2011

I’ve always been a sucker for bands descended from the Portishead side of the trip-hop family tree (oddly, I like many of these artists more than Portishead themselves), and Mary Ognibene’s understated, sultry delivery hits me right between the, ummm, well, let’s just say eyes here to avoid any trouble with the broadcast standards department, shall we? Musically, Rich Flierl (keys, guitars, and the primary songwriter) conjures a smoky, minimalist economy of sound that feels quite polished despite its sparseness.

Who do they remind me of (because since you haven’t heard them, we have to triangulate via bands you may know, right)? Well, I mentioned Portishead, and Flierl admits to a fondness for Massive Attack and Jah Wobble. “Who Do You Love?” suggests that he’s heard a bit of Love & Rockets, as well. There are places where Ognibene reminds me a lot of Girl Next Door’s Kat Green and the CD’s more animated numbers put me in mind of a sort of noir version of Supreme Beings of Leisure. Other places I swear I hear bits and pieces of The Church, U2, maybe a little Echo. Or maybe I’m projecting – hard to say. Sounds and influences sneak into a mix from all over the place.

All in all, there’s a lot of like here, and if I’m not mistaken this is the band’s first release. Which is even more impressive.

http://onespot.wsj.com/politics/2011/03/05/0cf64/tunesaturday-video-roundup-4am-with - Wall Street Journal Onespot

Dotsun Moon is steadily becoming a staple in Buffalo’s indie/shoegaze scene, and this Saturday’s (March 13) event brings a chance to catch them in a rare and laid back performance. The band is a master of understanding and restraint, knowing when to embrace minimalism while also realizing when the time is right to let the roof fall. Their self proclaimed label—”dream beat/noir”—couldn’t be more accurate. Fans of Portishead, Massive Attack, and Cocteau Twins should take note. Dotsun Moon combines elements of early trip-hop, 90’s era shoegaze, and a post-punk edge capped with the haunting sincerity of singer Mary O.’s vocal delivery. These are sounds that would fit nicely paired with a black and white arthouse flick. Speaking of which, the performance will be accompanied by a video from local artist Scott Washburn. Not only will this be the full multimedia experience, attendance will support one of Buffalo’s best new restaurants and entertainment venues, Merge. So stop by, grab a bite, and enjoy one of the best acts this city has to offer!

—eric kendall

Read more: http://artvoice.com/issues/v9n10/syt#ixzz1MZyFioN2
- Artvoice

The music is not overly layered or produced which is perhaps one of 4am’s best qualities, with a multitude of straight-forward offerings that vary with influences from post-punk to dreamy shoegaze ("There Are Stars") to Curve like offerings ("Heed The Warning").

Although the sonic layering, resonance, and depth of the Toni Halliday led band is absent here, the album is clean and lacks pretension making it hard not to appreciate the value of a simplistic yet enjoyable through line in many of the offerings.

There is something for everyone here, with "And I Rest" and "Savages" well suited to an iPod driving mix, or the aforementioned "There Are Stars" or "Heed The Warning" at a late night (4am?) party, playing softly on a stereo with clinking glasses and idle chatter in the foreground.

Read more at Suite101: Dotsun Moon's Debut Album 4am | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/dotsun-moons--debut-album-4am-a354693#ixzz1MZxmlPWN
- Suite 101

American outfit with a taste for female-fronted indie dance music; the kind last made fashionable in the late 1990's. In

‘And I Rest’ begins with a host of clean synth lines and squiggly electronica. It doesn’t really break out from its mid-1990s trappings and for an opener on a song-based album, it lacks a distinct chorus. It’s a worrying start but ‘Flutter’ is much better with Mary Ognibene lending her dance diva vocals over the top of some House piano. It’s undeniably retro but also classy.

There are times when Ognibene threatens to run the show; an idea bolstered by some rather pedestrian arrangements but the band raise their game on a number of occasions. ’Heed The Warning’ is groovy and sensual, ‘Westwind To The Boulevard’ is a decent New Order impression. ‘Glory’ is soulful and yearning whilst ‘Forever Tied’ is epic and defiant. - Leonard's Lair

Dotsun Moon

Who: Amanda Ott, voice; Richie James, keys, programming, guitar, Jayme Drums

What?: Esoteric, often dreamy, always intriguing art-pop with trip-hop and new wave underpinnings.

You’ll dig it if you like: Unkle, Massive Attack, New Order, Joy Division, Portishead, Morcheeba, Supreme Beings of Leisure, School Of The VII Bells


Check out:www.dotsunmoon.bandcamp.com, where you’ll find free downloads of a pair of songs from the upcoming disc.

—Jeff Miers - Buffalo News