The Voice in Fashion

Sal Hanono
Only Rodriguez (1985-1989)
David Hanono

Variations:

All | Voice In Fashion, The | Voice In Fashion

Releases:
All We Need (12") HR Records 1985
Only In The Night (12") HR Records 1986
Only In The Night (12") Pantera Records 1986
Only In The Night (12") Atlantic Records 1987
Only In The Night (45") Atlantic 1987
Give Me Your Love (12") EMI-Manhattan Records 1988
You Will Smile again Single VaHa Records 1992
The Moment of Truth-Album CD Noise Factory Records 2012

The Voice In Fashion started out in 1985 as studio project with Sal Hanono and Ony Rodriguez. Shortly after David Hanono was added in order to gear up for some live shows. All We Need released as The Voice hit the number 1 spot in the ultra progressive WVUM college radio and was a pick hit on Billboard magazine. In 1986 The Voice now The Voice In Fashion recorded Only In The Night with producer
Lewis Martinee of Expose fame. Only In The Night hit the number 2 spot on Billboard magazines Dance charts and took the group on several national tours. In 1988 the group released Give Me Your Love which resulted in international acclaim and extensive touring. At this point the group was riding a high in its short history and sang background on The Pet Shop Boys Domino Dancing and were invited to tour Europe however other obligations did not permit the tour. In June 1992 the group released You Will Smile Again a deep departure from the groups dance routes, but emphasized the groups writing ability. The song crossed over into Spanish radio and was used as a theme song during Hurricane David. In 1992 the group toured Brazil for all live dates from Rio to Recife and played in many of the top TV shows in Brazil including the Xuxa show.

The group decided to go and explore different solo avenues which prompted the release of Project David that included two solo albums Now and Un Minuto A La Vez. David continued to explore other avenues including film both in writing and directing. While Sal focused on song writing and studio collaboration. David Hanono also sings regularly with London Exchange and is included as a vocalist on many of their releases.

The group now very mature is writing and working together once again with a new album and new remixes shortly upcoming.

The famed group that brought you Only In The Night, Give Me Your Love , You Will Smile Again is back with a brand new album. The Moment of Truth a mix of old style freestyle, Euro pop and electronic dance pop music. Something for everyone that enjoys a dance pop mixture.

The Moment of Truth is a culmination of two years of work by The Voice and features collaborations with their former producer Lewis Martinee (Expose, Pet Shop Boys, Germain Jackson), as well as Peter Marr (London Exchange) and Fro Sosa (Nuclear Valdez). Features eleven new original songs as well as two covers The Man Who Sold The World (David Bowie) and Domino Dancing (Pet Shop Boys), which The Voice originally did the backing vocals for.

New Album By The Voice In Fashion Reviewed

The Voice In Fashion have a history that dates back to the mid 80's and had some Billboard success with the track "All We Need". The band consists of two members, David Hanono and Salvador Hanono and are based in Miami in the states.

They have just recorded a brand new album called "The Moment Of Truth" and I have been sent a copy which has been getting plenty of listens prior to reviewing it.

The opening track on the album is a cover of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold The World" and it gets a very impressive electronic makeover with a dance vibe. A version that would certainly go down well in clubs. This version is how I would imagine the Pet Shop Boys would sound if they had covered the song. A great start to the album.

Track 2 "In The Heat Of The Moment" has a more soulful feel to it which works well, some neat rhythm parts in this song. It's a track that grows on you the more you hear it.

"I Catch Myself" reminded me a little of Prince, excellent vocal treatment and a track that is spacious with plenty of room for all aspects of the instrumentation.

"Round Your Finger" is another track that reminded me of the Pet Shop Boys, has a similar feel to their song "Domino Dancing" which by coincidence is a track that has been recorded for this album by the band. It is really interesting that so far all the tracks have a different feel which makes for great listening and the trumpet in the last third of the track works so well, something I would never imagine saying! I really do like this track.

Next is the title track of the album "Moment Of Truth" which is very atmospheric with the heavy drum treatment and haunting synths and gentle melody parts. The guitar in the track blends well with the rest of the sound. I must say I like their use of rhythm in their songs, it sounds so powerful without being over the top. Another impressive track.

"Partner In Crime" has a superb feel to it, starts off almost as a ballad before a throbbing sequencer takes the track to Dance territory with a strong chorus, excellent vocals on this track and it is such a beautiful track, the best compliment I can pay this track is that if someone like Duran Duran had recorded it, it would be a definite hit, love it!

"Dance Of Love" again has a warm feel to it, a mid tempo track that has some great synth sections and wonderful rhythm parts (Again!), they excel in song construction, that is for sure. Probably my least favourite track on the album thus far but after a few listens has started to grab my attention.

Now the next track "Gates Of Heaven" was the first track I heard by The Voice In Fashion" and instantly loved it, a brilliant slice of synth pop with a fantastic chorus, a superbly produced song, it will instantly grab you. Another great track for the dance floor, a great lesson in how to write and produce the perfect pop song, an outstanding track.

"Perfect Lie" is a gorgeous ballad with acoustic guitar, beautiful pads and simple synth melody and it works so well. The vocal on this track is also very impressive, continues the trend of varied tracks on the album. A wonderful and well executed ballad.

"Redeem Yourself" is a track that was recently included on my Radio Show and is a punchy electrofest! An upbeat catchy track and sing-a-long chorus, a great choral middle 8 section. A fantastic track that would certainly go down well in clubs.

The upbeat pace continues with "Keep Away From The Heat" which has so much going on, throbbing bassline and sequencers again punctuated by guitar and synth hooks and of course a great rhythm section. A powerful sounding track that will again fill the dance floor.

The final track on the album is a cover of the Pet Shop Boys track "Domino Dancing" a track I think is very difficult to cover but they have done a brilliant job, a great bassline sound and the keyboard parts are excellent, a more stripped back version than the original I would say but the way they have approached it is top class and very brave. Pet Shop Boys are one of my favourite bands so I feel I am qualified to give an honest opinion on this cover version and I think they have pulled it off without a problem. A superb take on a PSB classic.

The CD includes a bonus track "Keep Away From The Miami Heat" which is a re-working of "Keep Away From The Heat" and is a superb version, this version is dominated by a Kraftwerk style beat and a more reserved synth backing track and it works really well. Very impressed with this version!

An accomplished piece of work with plenty of variety and some stunning tracks. It is an album that certainly exceeded my initial expectations, but they have delivered a well produced album full of well crafted songs which I am sure will appeal to all generations, it has a modern day feel to it and it's pleasing to see they have retained the most important ingredients of a pop song, great melody lines.

A pleasure to listen to 9/10


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