Moped Reviews
SF Weekly Track of the Day: Looking for light, airy electro to go with this week's summery temps? Give a listen to local boys Moped, who give dancefloors a balmy sheen with cool sax flourishes and spacious synth melodies. The duo of Peter Gavin (vocals, sax, bass and synth) and Scott Eberhardt (beat master) have long boosted Amnesia's patrons off the bar stools and into motion, but you can check out their chill-in-the-sunshine tunes at home too, thanks to Moped Moves On. From the wordless "That Sun" to the gentle vocals of "Form," these breezy tunes are meant to elevate moods (and heels) with feathery instrumentals and fun samples (kids and distorted steel drums). - Jennifer Maerz
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SF Chronicle 96 Hours: Moped Saturday @ Amnesia: Since 2005, San Francisco live-electro duo Moped has been a regular act at Amnesia. Formed in 2003, when multi-instrumentalist Peter Gavin and drummer Scott Eberhardt moved to San Francisco from Boulder, Colo., the duo has released four albums on Gavin's own Richie Records label. The group's music, which combines drums, bass and saxophone on top of electronic pre-programming and sound samples, is aptly called "jazz 'n' bass." 9 p.m., $5, 21+. 853 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 970-0012. www.amnesiabar.com - Justin Gillett
Elemental
Magazine: The brainchild of San Francisco transplant Peter Gavin,
(who plays bass, saxophone, keyboards, and loops), Moped's debut release
is an unassuming but extremely listenable journey through many different
vibes. Almost entirely instrumental, its ten tracks meander through the
speakers with jazz flourishes, touches of exotic percussion, and even
a dub reggae jam. "Blindness" is exceptionally mellow, with its chilled-out
organs, humming bass tones, and straight-forward beats. It also sports
some nice scratches and the best use of a Jodi Mitchell sample since Q-Tip
and Janet teamed up for "Got Til It's Gone." Tablas, shakers, and chimes
enter the mix for "I Remember," backing up lush synths and a weird instructional
record. While many of the selections have heavy jazz overtones, the title
track exemplifies this the best -- a lengthy session comprised of only
live drums, bass, and fluid, over-dubbed saxophones. Other tunes blend
simple hip-hop beats with subtle keys and looped feedback ("Thes Pace
Between Us") or dreamy, processed guitars with tripped-out Moogs and seagull
noises ("Sean Cake"). With help from a few friends, Moped has managed
to craft a record that defies the usual stereotypes and labeling. It's
definitely of the "down-tempo" variety, but not nearly as boring as many
artists who rep that style. Ideal for jazz heads, instrumental aficionados,
and open-minded music lovers everywhere, "Riding Solo" is a solid introduction
and an enjoyable listen. Hopefully we'll hear more from him soon. -
Brolin Winning
