Happy Monday, everyone! As a new weekly thing to motivate me to post on here at least once a week, I’m going to post (at the very least) every Monday about some music that I may have come across, or a song or artist I had on repeat over the week. My taste in music usually varies with every week, but I tend to gravitate towards the Indie genre, and more recently, towards the more Folk-influenced Indie subgenre – I’m all about them hand claps, foot stomps, and epic banjo riffs. But this week, I’m going to focus more on the Indie and less on the Folk.

I was first introduced to Walk The Moon about two years ago by two of my good friends, and I instantly was drawn in by the catchy melodies, and use of unique instruments that I’ve never heard used before. After going to one of their shows last year, I became more of a superfan, appreciating the fact that their live music – instruments, vocals, and all – sounds almost identical to the studio recordings they release, demonstrating the lack of need of over-production and a less manufactured sound.

This week, Walk The Moon will be releasing their third studio record, “Talking Is Hard.” Last week, the band released the record a week early to Spotify, and being an avid Spotify user myself, I have had it on repeat since then. This record does not fail to maintain the original integrity of the sound that the band has been known for, while still taking musical risks and dipping their feet into musical territory they have yet to take over. An example of this is a track called “Up 2 U,” in which the band takes on a more hardcore sound, briefly stepping away from the synth-infused electrorock sound, and delving into a more hardcore honest rock sound, while Nick Petricca, the lead singer, experiments with vocal techniques he’s never used before.

Other highlights include “Sidekick,” and “Aquaman.” “Sidekick” is a nod to the band’s older and classic sounds from their previous records, making use of an organic and catchy melody, innocent and honest lyrics, backed with bubbly synths and infectious guitar riffs. “Aquaman” is another track that is unlike anything the band has ever done before, delivering an 80’s pop ballad influence, all driven forward with a clever arrangement of lyrics about giving in to a potential treacherous love. Finally, the lead single, “Shut Up and Dance,” serves as an anthem about being unapologetically yourself and not worrying about the repercussions of doing so.

Overall, Walk The Moon once again does not fail to deliver quality music with smart instrumentation and lyrics, that will no doubt make for a great setlist in future performances.