Moffatts Chapter One: A New Beginning CD

The German issue comes with seven tracks not on the U.S. edition.

The Canadian-born Moffatts -- older brother Scott (guitar) and triplets Bob (drums), Clint (bass) and Dave (keyboards) -- may bring American pop act Hanson to mind with their summery harmonies and bouncy-happy attitude. However, on their latest album, Chapter 1: A New Beginning, they're a little more guitar-oriented than the trio from Tulsa, OK: the Moffatts have shed their country-pop sound in favor of mid- to late-'90s pop-rock. The boys have obviously taken big cues from Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas, with their anguished, "3 A.M."-sounding vocals, and they pull it off rather well. Believe it or not, the Moffatts are a laudable teen pop band -- they've been performing for most of their lives and it shows -- and they play their instruments instead of attempting choreographed dancing and hip thrusting. The album has its share of semi-glossy, gooey songs like "Girl of My Dreams," "Miss You Like Crazy" and "I'll Be There for You," but the melodic, crunchy "Misery" rocks hard for a band that was singing songs like "Itty Bitty Smile" and "Grandma" just four years ago. Chapter 1 shows a lot of promise, and the Moffatts give the term teen idol some credibility. ~ Gina Boldman

The Canadian-born Moffatts -- older brother Scott (guitar) and triplets Bob (drums), Clint (bass) and Dave (keyboards) -- may bring American pop act Hanson to mind with their summery harmonies and bouncy-happy attitude. However, on their latest album, Chapter 1: A New Beginning, they're a little more guitar-oriented than the trio from Tulsa, OK: the Moffatts have shed their country-pop sound in favor of mid- to late-'90s pop-rock. The boys have obviously taken big cues from Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas, with their anguished, "3 A.M."-sounding vocals, and they pull it off rather well. Believe it or not, the Moffatts are a laudable teen pop band -- they've been performing for most of their lives and it shows -- and they play their instruments instead of attempting choreographed dancing and hip thrusting. The album has its share of semi-glossy, gooey songs like "Girl of My Dreams," "Miss You Like Crazy" and "I'll Be There for You," but the melodic, crunchy "Misery" rocks hard for a band that was singing songs like "Itty Bitty Smile" and "Grandma" just four years ago. Chapter 1 shows a lot of promise, and the Moffatts give the term teen idol some credibility. [Also available as a United Kingdom Import.] ~ Gina Boldman

Includes 7 tracks not on the U.S. version!!

Recorded at Aerowave Studios, Encino, California; Gallery Studios, New York, New York; Dierks Studios, Stommeln, Germany.

Producers: Glen Ballard, David Brunner, The Berman Brothers, The Moffats.

Engineers include: Scott Campbell, Touch, Akira Takahashi.

The Moffatts CHAPTER1: NEW BEGINNING contains the songs "Wild at Heart," "Crazy," and "Love," among others.

Personnel: Scott Moffatt (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Dave Moffatt (vocals, keyboards); Bob Moffatt (vocals, drums, congas); Clint Moffatt (vocals, percussion); Jeff Coplan (programming).

Audio Mixer: Joe West .

Recording information: Dierks Studios, Stommeln, Germany; Gallery Studios, New York, NY; Metalworks Studios, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

CHAPTER I: A NEW BEGINNING is an Enhanced audio CD containing regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

The Moffatts: Scott Moffatt (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Dave Moffatt (vocals, keyboards); Clint Moffatt (vocals, bass, percussion); Bob Moffatt (vocals, drums, congas).

Additional personnel: Jeff Copeland, Glen Ballard (various instruments); David Mann, Berry Danielian (horns).