Supermoon: A musical journey down unexpected paths
Supermoon introduce themselves with their first, self-titled record and take us on a journey, conjuring up unexpected images. Usually a band's first album is also the foundation on which it declares which way it's headed.
By Dimitris (Bari) Polyzois
For anyone to understand a band's style, this first album will play a decisive role. And this is where Supermoon come in with their first, self-titled record.
Step 1: Follow the tradition
For a new band, a band that's just starting out to offer us its creations, every single element matters enormously. Element No. 1: Pick a name for your first record that's simple and distinctive!
Here, following in the footsteps of the greats, Supermoon did the obvious thing… They named their first record ‘Supermoon’ (production and distribution of the record was handled by Made of Stone Recordings). Nothing clearer, more straightforward or simpler than that. After all, this is the album that marks our first acquaintance with the band. Their first collection of stories they want to share with us. Their first musical journey.
Step 2: Choose a side
Equally important is showing, right from the first hello, the style and character of your music in a clear-cut way. And that comes through easily, from the first track to the very last on the record. From Sedna (a mythological Inuit deity), to the Sanskrit Mantra, to Manzanilla (an excellent sherry-type wine), all the way to Mandala and its healing power, and Moon Rabbit, the rabbit who lives on the moon and holds the elixir of eternal life.
In every track, the style is crystal clear. Supermoon compose music ideal for depicting and "bringing to life" scenes. There are tracks I could easily imagine as the backdrop to TV series or films. I could picture Moon Rabbit in a black-and-white Lanthimos film, or something by one of the great Scandinavian directors. Likewise, tracks like Mantra bring to mind the soundtrack of the Vikings series and definitely transport us to Valhalla.
On the music
The music of Supermoon isn't extreme. Their tempos aren't out of this world and the vocals aren't pushed way out front. Even so, the sonic result is excellent. Their atmospheric sound, combined with vocal lines that are gentle yet weighty, gives the tracks a distinctive texture.
The record oozes emotion and creates heavy, "dark" atmospheres, a result of the subject matter that inspires the band, which revolves around world mythology and spirituality.
On the subject matter
Mythological deities, mystical techniques and fantastical creatures dominate Supermoon's subject matter.
The common thread running through all the tracks that make up the record is the psychedelia that pervades them, in its various expressions and forms. The members use music to express facets of their own personalities, as well as those of other bands that inspire them.
Editor's Choice: Sun Is High
One of the tracks that really stands out on Supermoon's record is ‘Sun Is High’. Opening with a soft, clean, atmospheric riff that sticks with you, the track sounds ready to narrate the most epic of stories. The age of Heroes comes alive through 'Sun Is High'. Suddenly, we feel as if we're aboard a boat with all the heroes from the pages of the Iliad, sailing toward Troy.
The song, of course, 'bares its teeth' right away. The guitar comes in with creamy, distorted tones that ramp up the music's intensity. Perhaps the most important thing this song offers is the imagery it creates. That, of course, is entirely subjective. At the same time, though, it's a very strong and evident element throughout the band's music.
Supermoon are here to stay
From my very first encounter with their music at the Naxatras concert, I could tell this was a band with real character. They have a clear vision of the identity they want to give their music, and as a result there's no room for confusion in the listeners' ears.
Musically, the performance is very distinctive and sticks with you. The dynamics highlight how varied the tracks are and pleasantly surprise anyone who enjoys the music. As I mentioned above, Supermoon's musical stories are dark, beautiful and melodic.
For my part, I have to say the band won my attention. And because of that, on one hand, I hope they have many more musical stories to tell us in the future, and on the other, I'm definitely looking forward to their future work.
