Mosquito Records London

BREATHING DREAMS - Rock/Pop album (Release date: 11.09.2011) (Catalogue #MOS0015)

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Mosquito Records London proudly presents

Breathing Dreams (2011)

The 12th Studio Album by Ike Moriz

In 2011, Mosquito Records London released Breathing Dreams, the 12th studio album by Ike Moriz - a powerful collection of original melodic Rock/Pop that marked his long-awaited return to the genre.

Following the success of his previous original rock release, All Around The World (2007/2008), Moriz embarked on an extraordinary four-year journey. During that time he recorded and released eight Swing/Jazz albums, was voted one of South Africa’s Top 5 Vocalists, filmed several music videos, and toured extensively across South Africa and Northern Europe, performing more than 300 concerts.

Yet throughout those prolific years, another creative current was flowing. Between tours and studio sessions, Moriz composed, produced and recorded 16 brand-new Rock/Pop songs - including three carefully reimagined covers originally written by Iggy Pop, David Byrne (of Talking Heads), and Jeff Barry.

The album brought him back together with his versatile band of leading South African session musicians at the renowned Paris Studios in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The result is a cohesive, dynamic body of work reflecting the spiritual awakening and life journey of a multi-faceted 21st-century artist at the height of his creative powers.

The Journey Through the Album

The voyage begins with the epic and mythical opener “Atlantis”, a sweeping meditation on civilisation, human potential, and timeless cycles of rise and fall. It is followed by the warm, uplifting title track “Breathing Dreams”, and the folky pop ballad “Apollo”, inspired by the ancient archetype of light and creative force.

“Still” delivers a classic carpe diem rock anthem - an energetic re-recording of the standout track originally featured on Moriz’s 2003 debut album Mirrors and Shade, once voted Song of the Month by David Bowie.

A change of mood arrives with the spiritual, reggae-inspired “(The Journey of the) White Baboons”, reminiscent of Bob Marley in spirit and storytelling - complete with a playful sonic surprise at the end.

Moriz then offers a tongue-in-cheek rendition of Iggy Pop’s lesser-known punk track “Whatever”, acting as a sharp palate cleanser before the infectious, radio-ready love song “Not About You.” His minimalist interpretation of the Talking Heads classic “Heaven” follows - polished, restrained and luminous.

The album’s emotional weight deepens with “Another Me & You,” arguably its darkest and most grunge-tinged track, exploring the shadow side of love. This intensity flows into “Hold My Breath,” a powerful rock piece featuring a remarkable sustained vocal note lasting just over 21 seconds - exceeding by one second the celebrated long note delivered by Morten Harket in Summer Moved On.

The introspective indie ballad “Demian” draws inspiration from Hermann Hesse’s novel of the same name, before giving way to the light-hearted, Beatles-esque charm of “In Every Place.” The mood turns introspective again with the haunting “Right Then.”

“Peace Dream (Uphupa Ngoxolo)” is a heartfelt collaboration with Brothers With Voices from Hout Bay, a vocal ensemble Moriz has mentored and supported since 2007. Blending English and Xhosa lyrics, the track stands as a cross-cultural statement of unity and hope.

The album closes with a raw, stripped-down version of “I Believe It Can Be Done,” written by Jeff Barry and originally sung by Ray Sharkey in the 1980 film The Idolmaker - previously never released on CD.

A bonus re-recording of “You Could,” from Moriz’s debut album, adds a final, enigmatic rock/pop love ballad to complete the 16-track collection.

Recording & Production

Recorded at Paris Studios, Fish Hoek, Cape Town, South Africa
Publishing: Ike Moriz (Mosquito Records London PTY Ltd)
Sub-Publishing: Sheer Publishing (South Africa)
Barcode: 885767791848

Selected Credits

• Bass: Robert Nel (track 14), Tim Pereira (tracks 1–13)
• Drums: Shaun Michau (tracks 1–13), Tony Paco (track 14)
• Guitars: Morné van der Merwe
• Tenor Saxophone: Willie van Zyl (track 13)
• Vocals (track 14): Mzwandile Mtyobile
• Mixed, Mastered & Engineered by Paris Zannos
• Photography: Stefan Herrmann
• Graphic Design: Lars Pestrup
• Written, Composed & Produced by Eike Moriz (tracks 1–5, 7, 9–14)

Critical Response (October 2011)

“Moriz takes hold of his material and dominates its tones and nuances with his utterly distinctive voice. It’s powerful, compelling and completely in tune with the drama of his songs.”
— Rob F., Leicester, UK

Tracklist:

1. Atlantis 3:29

2. Breathing Dreams 3:44

3. Apollo 2:36

4. Still 4:08

5. (The Journey Of The) White Baboons 4:44

6. Whatever 3:07

7. Not About You 3:40

8. Heaven 3:33

9. Another Me And You 3:59

10. Hold My Breath 3:27

11. Demian 4:24

12. In Every Place 3:29

13. Right Then 2:35

14. Peace Dream (Uphupa Ngoxolo) Feat. Brothers With Voices 3:53

15. You Could (2011) 2:36

16. I Believe It Can Be Done 3:47

Credits:

• Bass Guitar – Robert Nel (tracks: 14), Tim Pereira (tracks: 1-13) 
• Drums – Shaun Michau (tracks: 1-13), Tony Paco (tracks: 14) 
• Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Morné Van Der Merwe
• Graphic Design, Graphics – Lars Pestrup
• Mixed By, Mastered By, Engineer – Paris Zannos
• Photography By – Stefan Herrmann
• Songwriter – Alex Kirst (tracks: 6), David Byrne (tracks: 8), Iggy Pop (tracks: 6), Jeff Barry (tracks: 15), Jerry Harrison (tracks: 8), Pete Marshall (tracks: 6), Whitey Kirst (tracks: 6) 
• Songwriter, Written By, Composed By, Executive Producer – Eike Moriz (tracks: 1-5, 7, 9-14) 
• Tenor Saxophone – Willie Van Zyl (tracks: 13) 
• Vocals, Backing Vocals – Mzwandile Mtyobile (tracks: 14) 
• Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, 12-String Acoustic Guitar – Eike Moriz
• Recorded at Paris Studios, Fish Hoek, Cape Town, South Africa
• Publishing: Ike Moriz (Mosquito Records London PTY Ltd)
• Sub – Publishing: Sheer Publishing in SA
• Barcode: 885767791848