Melissa Moshè - Mandatory Fields

Melissa Moshè

Mandatory Fields
self-released; 2013

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Melissa Moshè is a talented singer/songwriter who began her musical endeavors back in 2002. She, along with Tom Mandulak, started performing around New York City. As the years passed they continued to play and perform until Melissa moved to Los Angeles in 2005. There she established herself with producers and most recently released a instrumentally rich, professional sounding EP called Mandatory Fields. There are only three songs on the EP (six if you include the instrumental versions) which make it for a short and sweet affair. Her vocals are accessible and have a commercial quality to them. It’s a pleasant, pretty voice but it also sounded vaguely familiar at points. I have to admit I was scratching my head as to why the instrumental versions are on the EP. Her voice is clearly the focal point of the songs.

The EP starts with “A Simple Life” which is an upbeat, pop song that is bound to put a smile on your face. It’s extremely catchy; I have little doubt you will be humming the melody in the shower whether you want to or not. The lyrics are made up of clear, simple ideas. She sings; “For you to make up your mind / All the time that’s gone by wasted / The simple truth that would have saved us / Just make up your mind / And I’m starting to believe / That some things aren’t meant to be.” 

“Anything But This” is another solid, upbeat number that may be catchier than the first song. I enjoyed the slide guitar and light orchestral string in this one. Mandatory Fields closes with “All The Streets” which was the highlight of the EP. There was an emotional resonance and melancholy that I enjoyed on this one. 

The total running time for Mandatory Fields is only ten minutes. If you enjoy it I suggest you take a listen to her previous release The Mortar That Binds Us, which contains 12 tracks. 

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