SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MEN WITHOUT HATS – ON THE MOON

MEN WITHOUT HATS
ON THE MOON
INDEPENDENT

It has been three long years since the last studio album from Men Without Hats, last one being Again 2 in 2022. Yes, they did release a live album last year (Men Without Hats Live), but it is always exciting to hear new music from Ivan Doroschuk and company. The band has had different line-ups, but this album features the current touring band. Sahara Doroschuk—also known as Sloan—(keyboards and vocals), Sho Murray (guitar), Adrian White (drums), and of course, Ivan Doroschuk. On The Moon is more of a mini album with seven tracks.

Since their 1980s debut EP, Folk Of The 80s, Men Without Hats set themselves apart from all other bands by showcasing their remarkable ability to write some of the most moving, catchy, and beautiful melodies in music, matched with their ability to say a great deal in a few words, Ivan and Men Without Hats have produced some of the greatest albums of the last 40 years. It is nice to report that they keep up their tradition with On The Moon.

SPILL FEATURE: THIS GENERATION STILL NEEDS TO HEAR THE FACT THAT THEY CAN DANCE IF THEY WANT TO – A CONVERSATION WITH IVAN DOROSCHUK OF MEN WITHOUT HATS

The album opens with their recent hit “I Love The ‘80s,” a playful look at the band’s history during that decade that produced so much great music and memories. It is a joyful look back, with Ivan celebrating the band’s success; this is followed by the more melancholic look back, “In Glorious Days,” a song Ivan co-wrote with producer Brian John Howes. “My mistake, as a new day begins,” sings Ivan. “Parting ways with the dancers and romancers.” Very powerful.

On The Moon is very much a band album. Each member brings something to the mix. Ivan’s niece Sahara’s backing vocals add a great deal to this and other songs on the album. Murray’s guitar adds the necessary power and energy while White keeps the foot tapping with his drumming. And while Ivan takes on the lion share of the writing, there is still room for a surprise. The album closes with a cover of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.” Men Without Hats are no strangers to covers, but this is an interesting choice. The layered synthesizers and Ivan’s wonderful vocals make this cover quite unique and wonderful.

On The Moon is Men Without Hats redefining themselves in 2025. One foot in the past, but at the same time one foot in the present and future. It is an album that acknowledges the past without drowning in it. Ivan’s knack for writing melodies is the same in 2025 as it was in 1980, that is just who he is. And although there have been changes with the band throughout their history, writing strong and memorable songs is what Men Without Hats do and they do it extremely well. On The Moon is a fantastic album, there really is not much else to say. Men Without Hats are back and the world is a better place for it.

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