BY ALYSSA APARICIO | It was a passion for rock and roll as it once was that drew the bandmates of Mad Moon Riot together. Forging their sound in the UK, Matt Hitchens and Ru Hazell took their chances crossing the pond where they soon united with Pou Piam and Mia von Glitz.
Their premiere EP, “Make Me,” was released in early 2013 and soon grew a loyal following. Not long after, their unique sound and full-out performances had piqued the interest of producer Bob Marlette, whose credits include Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, Alice Cooper, and Filter to name just a few. Support from this legendary music maker gave them the push to meticulously craft their first full length album into a true reflection of their revamped glam rock sound. Tentatively named Sunset Stripper, the album is expected to be released early spring and is described as an ode to the glory days of LA’s notorious and scrumptiously seedy Sunset Strip.
Arguably the band’s most eye-catching asset (aside from Pou’s spiky locks), lead singer Mia von Glitz, is a high dose of sophisticated shimmer. Her venomous vocals send shivers down your back in a haze of leather and carefully placed lace. A hushed romance with Glee’s Darren Criss, a side project cover band named “Guns n’ Hoses,” and a proper risqué wardrobe make this Alabama native’s every move nothing short of mesmerizing—with an earful of influences ranging from the femme fatales of punk to the still reigning kings of rock, a la Guns n’ Roses and Led Zeppelin.
It’s this undone, classy affair that lends itself to Mad Moon Riot’s appeal. Their runaway hit video, “Running on Empty,” is a dark and eyebrow raising good time. “Spread love, like legs” is a take away message we can all surely get behind.
Overflowing with nostalgia for the days of vinyl, the band plans to release their debut album on wax, reminiscing about the touch and feel of a brand new record in their palms, album artwork, dedications, and intimate connections intact. In the words of MMR’s bassist, Matt Hitchens, “I think vinyl releases tend to attract more long-term fans as it feels like more of a personal investment… owning a band’s album on record feels like a long-term commitment.”
How do they take in their favorites on vinyl? Bandmates cite a Crosley traveler, a Bang & Olufsen Beogram 1700, and a vintage Technics SL 1200 as their turntables of choice.
In a fit of nostalgia for the good ole days of rock n’ roll, Matt, Ru, Pou, and Mia overflow with enthusiasm for the music (and the medium) that bonds them beneath their shared sonic umbrella, Mad Moon Riot.
