Moev

Location: Canada

MOEV is an electronic music group specializing in synthpop that recorded primarily on the Nettwerk Records label (with publication by Atlantic Records). Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, their most successful album was Yeah Whatever in 1989, which combined dark, solemn, anthemic lyrics with disjointed beats, trickling electronics, and occasional spoken-word samples.

MOEV was originally formed by friends Tom Ferris and Cal Stephenson back in 1981. After some initial demos they added the voice of Madeleine Morris and the guitar of Mark Jowett to form a solid four piece. The first recording output of the group was “Zimmerkampf” which only saw vinyl and tape releases and has never appeared on an official release CD (except as part of a compilation collection). Poor album sales resulted in their label (Go! Records) going bankrupt leaving the band to find another publisher for their work.

1984 saw a number of important changes and milestones for the band. They signed to the newly formed Nettwerk records label. Madeleine Morris left the band and was replaced by Michella Arrichiello. With their new record label and singer on board, the band entered the studio to record Dusk and Desire which was released in 1985. The album was a bit poppier than early releases, and “PlayTook Out The Lace” became a small club hit. (Interestingly, the album was distributed in the US by hip-hop label Profile.)