The Seattle-based quartet, Moon Darling, welcomed summer in a nostalgic sepia-toned fashion this week with a four-song EP, titled Dreams. Dreams is genuinely dream-like, but stops just short of heavily psychedelic.
Moon Darling has the rare ability to sound live even over a recording. Their sound naturally conjures up cozy concert halls and crowded bars. Dreams, specifically the song “Which Way to Go,” has the feeling of an Eagles song injected with the modern sonic power of band’s like Tame Impala.
The EP is inspired by a six-month road trip where the band’s van caught on fire. While the situation sounds like a total nightmare, the EP, however, is seductively calming. It lures you into a warm daze with its swooning and psychedelic melodies.
Each song stands as a cohesive piece of the EP’s whole, seamlessly segueing into each track with saccharine guitar chords and woozy layers of synth. If the album is a road trip, “Dreams” is the beginning, hopeful with an entrancing sound. The slower second song and one of the best on the EP, “Which Way to Go”, is a soulful questioning and searching. “Coming Around” is finding the way with long interludes and emotional lyrics. And finally, “Feel Around You” is the destination, with the comfort of home after a long trip.
Reminiscent of Kevin Parker’s ambient vocals, frontman Michael Escobar’s voice echoes and almost haunts on “Feel Around You,” as it seemingly floats over soft, but warped guitar rifts. Although the vocals are an integral part of the band’s sound, Escobar’s voice doesn’t begin until 25 seconds in, letting the listener feel comfortable in the sonic sounds.
The band’s name Moon Darling is truly representative of their swooning and nostalgic tunes. Their hazy EP is made for relaxing afternoons, long drives and sleepless nights.
For more from Moon Darling head to their Facebook, and listen to Dreams on Spotify now.
