One of the best album releases of 2018 was from Cincinnati’s Moonbeau, whose self-titled debut was an exhilarating, upbeat and emotive collection of memorable, wonderfully-crafted Synth Pop nuggets. Today CityBeat is thrilled to present the premiere of the duo’s new music video for “Hair So Wild,” a song that perfectly encapsulates the ’80s-inspired jubilance of the LP.
The barbershop romp — directed by Matt Stalf — matches the song’s infectious playfulness perfectly.
Along with working on new recordings, Moonbeau has been doing regular out-of-town shows since the release of that debut full-length (issued by Cincinnati-based indie label Old Flame Records), but this Saturday (Feb. 23) they’ll play a hometown show — the group’s first of 2019 — at Top Cats in Corryville. The 9 p.m. concert also features performances by Indianapolis’ tri patterns and Cincinnati indie rockers Sun Delay. Tickets for Saturday’s show are available in advance for just $5 here.
Moonbeau’s next scheduled local appearance will be a “lifestyle event” dubbed Synthcinnati. Helmed by the duo, the show will feature synth- and electronic-centric acts that Moonbeau has met on the road, plus vintage clothing vendors and more.
The first Synthcinnati showcase is set for April 26 at The Woodward Theater. Joining Moonbeau will be DENNIS (from Minneapolis), Summer School (Cleveland), Bliss Nova (Toledo) and Cincinnati’s own FLOCKS. Alongside a curated line of clothing and merch from Moonbeau, other vendors at Synthcinnati’s debut include Rad OTR, Ramblin’ Rose Vintage and artist Izzy Gregan.
“We’re really excited to introduce Cincinnati to the bands who’ve been kind enough to let us into their cities and their homes,” Moonbeau’s Claire Muenchen says in a press release. “It’s nice to be able to use the support system we have here to develop relationships with similar artists in our region.”
Keep an eye on Moonbeau’s social media pages for the latest on Synthcinnati.
This article appears in Feb 20-27, 2019.