Moonbeau “Moonbeau” 2018. Soul Step Records, Cotton Candy custom vinyl. Moonbeau are Christian Gough and Claire Muenchen, a dreamy revivalist 80′s synth pop duo from Cincinnati. I recently started subscribing to Soul Step Records, a small custom label (also from Cincinnati which strives to support indie artists) and the description of Moonbeau’s music piqued my interest, plus the record cover and custom vinyl pastel hues compliment the swirly, atmospheric synth pop flavor of the 80′s, as does the band’s look.

High-waisted, baggy acid wash jeans, white sneakers, mullets and shags? Yes, please! Add in the synthesized bleep-bloops that recall Book of Love (a favorite of mine from the 80′s), OMD and Scritti Politti and I’m digging it big time. My favorite tracks are the highly danceable “In Love,” the catchy, quirky “Like the Night” (this is the one that most reminds me of Book of Love), the synth-stomper “Hair So Wild,” the soaring love song “Nibiru” and the anthemic album closer “Lover/Fighter.”