Walk The Moon is back with a new album! Yes! For those of you new to this incredible indie rock band, they’re from Ohio and full of different colors. Here’s a little taste:
Comprised of Nicholas Petricca (vocals, keyboards), Kevin Ray (bass guitar, vocals), Eli Maiman (guitar, vocals), and Sean Waugaman (drums, percussion, vocals), their new album, Talking Is Hard, is an array of new sounds; stimulating senses with refreshing harmonies and effervescent lyrics.
Walk the Moon opens up Talking Is Hard with “Different Colors,” and it’s by far, one of the best ways to kick off the new album. You’re hooked within the first five seconds! It’s upbeat right from the start and when Petricca comes in, it gets a heavenly coating. The baseline leads you straight into an infectious chorus. Petricca sings, “…different colors, we carry each other.” The bridge is ornamented beautifully with synths and the harmonies are spectacular. Petricca noted in their track by track commentary, “[they’ve] been really moved by other artists who have spoken out in support of the LGBTQ community and gender equality, and race equality. A new record is a great chance to try new things musically, but it’s also an opportunity for us to say things that we didn’t get to say on the last record.” “Different Colors” is a harmonious and powerful song brought to you by these lovely Ohio natives.
Next up on Talking Is Hard is “Sidekick,” and it’s honestly a killer way to ask someone to be yours. The guitar and drums both kickoff an experimental, electro rock track. It’s infused with different timbres; highlighting various influences that fans will absolutely love.
The third track is Walk The Moon’s hit single, “Shut Up and Dance,” released in September, it’s been featured on MTV and even as the iTunes free single of the week! There’s so much going on in this track and you can’t help but dance along. It’s got that 80s vibe and with lyrics such as “…A backless dress and some beat up sneaks, my disco tech Juliet teenage dream,” it’s ultimately perfect. It’s definitely an anthem!
“Up 2 U,” opens up with chilling tonality and Waugaman’s amazing percussion skills, you’re shocked to hear the direction in which these four go in. It’s heavy—almost dark, but captivating nonetheless. It’s far different from Walk The Moon’s debut album I Want! I Want! , but those heavy guitar sounds and Petricca’s vocal range here, showcase their outstanding growth.
A personal favorite of mine on Talking Is Hard, “Avalanche,” is full of upbeat melodies and the lyrics are incredibly sweet. It’s way too cute. They sing, “…one glance and the avalanche drops, one look and my heartbeat stops,” and it honestly made me melt a bit—not gonna lie here. The synths compliment Petricca’s vocals very nicely and the percussion here is fantastic. Oh, who am I kidding? You’re going to fall in love with this track too!
As you progress, “Portugal,” and “Spend Your $$$,” are other tracks to definitely check out! With “Portugal”, you have rich harmonies that carry you to the pinnacle point of the track. And these lyrics, “…one summer turns into ten summers, one lover turns into ten others, but this memory is still with me,” are truly magnificent. They resonate with you. “Spend Your $$$,” is fun and wicked. You have Petricca’s falsetto and these heavy guitars return; all with a little psychedelic feel. This track evokes sounds from different eras and delivers one hell of a piece.
“Come Under The Covers,” is a phenomenal track as well. Words can’t even begin to describe. It’s rich, the descending and ascending baseline bring everything together, and the harmonies are monumental. Definitely check that one out!
Overall, Walk The Moon’s highly anticipated third album is incredibly virtuoso. These guys put everything into this album and I can’t thank them enough. It’s a wonderful forty-three minute experience. Talking Is Hard is the perfect gift for your favorite indie rocker. The album comes out December 2nd, 2014. You can pre-order it on iTunes and Amazon. If you can’t wait that long, don’t worry, it’s already up on Spotify!
Rating: 4.5/5