Halifax indie ensemble Moonwake, in all their synth-heavy, genre-bending glory, are back with their brand new single “Alarming Charm.”
“This is our second new single showcasing the new upbeat sound that will be off the upcoming full-length release in 2020, currently being worked on with the help of John Mullane from In-Flight Safety,” says the band.
“We didn’t plan on releasing the single this early but think it’s really important to put some art out into the world for people.”
Followers of the band will pick up on Moonwake’s signature style in a heartbeat; keys, strings, synths, and all. The tune echoes some of the melodic patterns present in their last single, “Constant Variable,” but this time around, they’ve opted for a slightly more upbeat overall style to pair with some darker instrumentation and themes.
The lyrics, courtesy of Sean Clancey and Shileen Gillis, explore the prices that our relationships pay when we rush things; emotions can be quite tricky!
The band shifts between two different styles throughout the track, both of them executed expertly. The chorus is the focal point of the band’s upbeat energy, akin to a theatrical musical performance with their ever-present sound. The verses and hooks, meanwhile, take on a darker groove, with subtle strings dancing underneath a mysterious synth pad.
“Alarming Charm is about missed chances with someone who was a joy to be with but left you with an unsettling feeling otherwise,” says keyboarder Braden Nelson.
“The lead up to, and the chorus itself, details when one can’t close the relationship deal, standing around with their hands in their pockets, not communicating, allowing what they had built physically, naturally, to deteriorate when the mental and emotional portion surfaces.”
The small but mighty Moonwake is a sleeping giant of sorts when it comes to the Atlantic music scene, and while we’re all absorbing new art as we wait out this pandemic, perhaps “Alarming Charm” will turn a few heads more.