Moev: Dusk and Desire (1985)

Is it MOEV or Moev? Who knows? Although originally released in 1985, the LP was repressed in 1986 and 1988. The 1986 edition, which I have, "features remixed versions of 'Sea-Missile Motel' (from the 7"/12") and 'Took Out the Lace' (from the 7")." [from Discogs].

Wikipedia describes the band as "an electronic music group based in Vancouver, British Columbia..." Allmusic describes them as "synth-pop and darkwave ambience." Discogs says they are synthpop. The Allmusic review of this record is scathing, to say the least. Just read this:

Praise Moev for at least not trying to sound like Depeche Mode on their 1986 LP Dusk and Desire, but damn them for not crafting enough hooks for anybody to care. Too pop to be called industrial, and too industrial to be called pop, Dusk and Desire tries to corral club denizens while remaining faithful to its Cabaret Voltaire roots. It fails at both. Generic, passionless vocals weaken the record, and the bland songwriting doesn't help either. Moev is in love with their keyboards; however, they don't do anything interesting with them. Although the album moves at a quick pace, it's still a chore to listen to. There's no personality in these tracks; they're faceless. Book of Love springs to mind whenever Michella Arrichiello sings, and that's about as memorable as Dusk and Desire gets. [source]

The reviewer concludes by awarding this record 1.5 stars. Ouch. I agree that the band produced better stuff later, but 1.5 stars is too few stars.