If you haven’t heard of LA-via-Virginia Beach quartet Mansions On The Moon yet, look out. These guys are right up there with synth pop bands like Phoenix, Miami Horror, and Chvrches, but Mansions On The Moon never sounds solely like the aforementioned bands. They have a sound of their own that pulls out the blissfulness of dream pop and leads it on a coming-of-age type adventure through a spectrum of soft rock, synths, and experimental pop, all while gifting the most lavish harmonies to your ears.
Mansions On The Moon has released several EP’s and singles since the band debuted about four years ago with a mixtape presented by Diplo and DJ Benzi. It gave a first taste of the band’s affinity for dreamy synths, and eventually lead to their debut full-length which you can stream in its entirely on EARMILK before its release date.
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"In many ways the album tells the story of the band. It is the culmination of 10 years of creative effort. Some of these songs have lyrics written in Montana with vocals recorded in bedrooms and closets around the country and finished in studios in Los Angeles. After four years as Mansions On The Moon, we are confident when we say our first full-length album is finally ready for the world to hear."
The band's self-titled debut has a range of sounds and styles that show how dynamic Mansions On The Moon can be. Tracks like "Don't Tell" and "Heart of the Moment" show a groovier side to the band, taking on a sound that reminds me of a lot of the synth pop coming out of Australia and France, as well as the lush 80s-inspired pop of the Cascine roster.
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At times the album packs more of a punch in the dance department with the tracks "Somewhere Else Tonight" and the disco-tinged "The Truth." Other moments see simple melodies and softer ballads, as with "Where You Are" and the folky closer "Time," where Mansions On The Moon leaves you basking in luscious harmonies.
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"Radio" is my personal favorite on the album. I think it's a prime example of the beauty that comes out of the melodies and intricate harmonization that Mansions On The Moon is creating. It also shows the lyrical depth that comes through in their music. As much as I'd enjoy the change, I don't think "Radio" will be the next big single on commercial radio, but the band rightfully poses the question "Where did all the music go?" It does seem like it's a "follow the leader" situation with everything sounding the same.
Try a little something different and check out "Radio" along with the rest of the Mansions On The Moon debut album, and catch the band live on their US tour which kicks off this week in LA.
