It was just two years ago that Los Angeles-based indie rock band Lo Moon released "Loveless" - their moving, epic debut single which has already garnered nearly 6 million plays on Spotify alone. Following a few similarly stunning follow-up singles ("This Is It", "Thorns"), the band released their self-titled debut album earlier this year. Consisting of members Matthew Lowell, Crisanta Baker and Samuel Stewart, the trio's first album is a sophisticated, moving musical masterpiece.
When I first heard Lo Moon's music, I immediately noticed both musical and vocal influences of the distinct, post-rock sound of Mark Hollis and Talk Talk (think of the band's later, mature sound: Colour of Spring, Spirit of Eden). It's actually pretty uncanny how similar Matthew's vocal delivery is to that of Mark Hollis. The band has confirmed in various interviews that Mark is indeed an influence in their music.
Upon first listen to Lo Moon's debut album, aside from the band's prior singles, it was album track "Real Love" that immediately caught my ear - a spacious, refreshing, well-constructed song that conveys such musical depth and emotion, with its immersive, piano-driven chorus that I'm certain would even wow Mark Hollis. But beyond "Real Love" and the musical comparisons, this is a refreshing debut release that stands on its own, elegantly weaving together a musically-thematic ten part story that deserves a listen, if you haven't already done so.
Lo Moon is about to embark on a Fall tour that sees them open for CHVRCHES, along with a few of their own headline shows in the mix. Definitely check them out if they're playing in your neck of the woods!
LO MOON "REAL LOVE" (Official Music Video)
For more information about Lo Moon, visit their official website, follow them on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) and find their music on SoundCloud and Spotify.