Mark E Moon – Pop Noir (Digital/CD Album – Cold Transmission Music)
This is already the fourth album by the band from the Isle of Man. They began with an extremely dark—yet successful—Dark-Wave style and gradually evolved toward a more Electro-driven sound. “Pop Noir” is therefore a perfect title for this release and a natural reflection of the band’s evolution.
The guitar remains a strong presence, but many tracks lean more heavily into Electronic territory. While on their first—and still exceptional—album I compared them to The Sisters Of Mercy, here you get an imaginary cross between The Cure’s most Pop-oriented moments, the soaring atmospheres of Trisomy 21, and powerful, uplifting choruses that at times recall The Mission. Mark E Moon channels the essence of 80s New/Dark-Wave and proves it once again. The vocals, delivered with passion, are complemented by tasteful female backing vocals that add further depth.
Personally, I prefer the band’s earlier, darker beginnings, but “Pop Noir” remains a strong, well-crafted album that I can wholeheartedly recommend to any fan of 80s-inspired music. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Ten Thousand Years”:
About Mark E Moon
Mark E Moon is a band from the Isle of Man, set up by Mark Sayle and Phil Reynolds. The project mixes dark-wave and post-punk with a growing electronic streak.
The band released the debut album “Refer” in 2019 and “Old Blood” in 2021, followed by the 2022 mini-album “Lux Vindictae”. Cold Transmission Music issued “Pop Noir” in 2025.
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