Moptop (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Gabriel Marques, Rodrigo Curi, Daniel Campos, Mário Mamede |
| Defunct | 2013 (hiatus started in 2010) |
| Headquarters | Rio de Janeiro , Brazil |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
| Website | www |
Moptop is an alternative rock ensemble originating from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that gained recognition during the mid to late 2000s.
History
The group initially operated under the name DeLux when it was established in 2003, comprising Gabriel Marques as lead vocalist and guitarist, Rodrigo Curi on rhythm guitar, Daniel Campos handling bass duties, and Mário Mamede on drums.
Drawing inspiration from bands such as The Strokes, The Beatles, Franz Ferdinand, Ramones, and Los Hermanos, they began their career performing English-language tracks in intimate settings. By the time they released their 2005 demo titled Moonrock, the band had adopted the name "Moptop," a nod to the famous Beatles hairstyle from the 1960s.
In 2006, Moptop secured a contract with Universal Music Group and launched their self-titled debut album, which included popular tracks like "O Rock Acabou" and "Sempre Igual." These songs featured on the soundtrack for the 14th season of the soap opera Malhação. The album's acclaim opened opportunities to support prominent acts such as Oasis, Interpol, The Magic Numbers, and The Bravery. The following year, Moptop appeared on an MTV Brasil program alongside artists including NX Zero, Fresno, Hateen, and Forfun; this performance was accompanied by a live album release. In 2007, they received nominations for "Best New Act" at the MTV Video Music Brazil awards and "Revelation Artist" at the Multishow Brazilian Music Award, having earlier won "Best Website" in 2005.
Their sophomore and concluding studio album, Como se Comportar (2008), was produced by British producer Paul Ralphes—recognized for his work with artists like Sandy & Junior and Kid Abelha. This record showcased influences from Ennio Morricone’s cinematic compositions and Quentin Tarantino’s films, blended with rock ’n’ roll energy inspired by Jack Kerouac.
In 2009, plans were underway for an English-language EP and a third full-length album; however, both projects were eventually discontinued. Gabriel Marques announced an indefinite pause for the band in 2011, leading to Moptop’s official disbandment by 2013. Subsequently, drummer Mário Mamede initiated new ventures with Seashore Darkcave in 2014 and Herzegovina in 2017, collaborating with former members of Planet Hemp and Polara.
By 2020, Gabriel Marques had relocated to Seattle.
Hiatus and comeback
Moptop entered a hiatus period in 2010 as members explored individual pursuits; Gabriel Marques attributed this break primarily to exhaustion from touring.
In 2025, the band made a comeback, releasing new singles alongside a full-length album titled Long Day, followed by a tour covering key Brazilian metropolitan areas. Their recent releases are performed entirely in English.
Discography
- (2005) Moonrock (demo)
- (2006) Moptop
- (2008) Como se Comportar
- (2025) Long Day
External links
- Musical groups established in 2003
- Musical groups disestablished in 2013
- 2003 establishments in Brazil
- 2013 disestablishments in Brazil
- Musical groups from Rio de Janeiro (city)
- Brazilian alternative rock groups
- Brazilian pop rock music groups
- Brazilian indie rock groups
- Brazilian pop punk groups
- Brazilian musical quartets