A chance encounter in 2019 marked the birth of a brilliant dark music allegiance. Brody Lowe, a visual maestro whose accolades span from evocative music videos to the mesmerizing realms of video games, found artistic resonance with Jeremiah J Gonzales. Spearheaded by Gonzales (who also produces the band), the pair united as Redder Moon.
In 2020, a new member joined the troupe – Jill McKeever. Her background includes playing the violin and creating unique fragrances with her brand, For Strange Women. She also holds a diploma in Electronic Art.
McKeever joining Redder Moon put the final touch on this captivating trio. Together, the three musicians create a unique sound that blends the elegance of darkwave with the brightness of synthpop, drawing inspiration from the avant-garde spirit of post-punk. Their music is characterized by haunting guitar harmonies, vintage synthesizers, and vocals that reverberate through time.
Now, as autumn falls upon the band’s hometown of Kansas City and the underground scene embraces its moodier twilight tones, it is the perfect time for Redder Moon to unveil their much-anticipated sophomore album, “She Was Certainly Bit By Something.” Conjuring memories of the revered 4AD label, this album refrains from easy categorization. It’s an alchemy of gothic pop and shoegaze, spiced up with rhythmic dance beats and an unexpected sprinkle of trip-hop. While its pace may be meditative, the underlying intensity is undeniable — a soundscape fit for an apocalyptic finale.
The album’s journey begins with “No One Lives Forever,” a homage to Siouxsie’s ethereal aura complemented by shoegaze-inflected guitars and the mesmerizing tones of Jill McKeever. This sets the stage for “The Illusion,” painting a scene of a moon-draped graveyard. The ghostly shadows of classic German cinema dance amongst the tombstones as sounds from forgotten epochs gather, forming an eerily captivating chorus.
“LaMDA” transitions the vibe, intertwining an upbeat tempo with techno-laced synths and distant vocals reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem. “Arborist” unfolds with an entrancing beat and assured vocals, while “Night Owl” encapsulates the metropolitan allure reminiscent of the Miami Vice epoch.
The reflective “Stop Coming Over” seamlessly merges synth funk and spoken poetry, echoing the trials of a fading romance. “Llaredda” dives into a pensive disco rhythm, and “The Eviction” transports listeners to the ethereal soundscapes of 1970s BBC Radiophonic Workshop, narrated with a dreamy cadence. The ensemble concludes with the beguiling “Channeling.”
Brody, with the air of a secret scribbled in a diary, lets his artistry do all the shouting. Whether partnering up, navigating his own waters as Loqsa, or weaving magic in the digital symphony of video games, his signature flair is undeniable.
She Was Certainly Bit By Something is out now.
Rubbing shoulders with contemporaries such as Vision Video, Urban Heat, and Rosegarden Funeral Party, Redder Moon shines bright with their musical prowess. Sprinkle in a smattering of critical acclaim, including remixes by renowned artists and a tip of the hat from NPR’s Tiny Desk, and it becomes clear: Redder Moon are rising high on the horizon, bathing discerning ears in the crimson tones of their stirring musical atmospheres that serve as the perfect soundtrack for the season of the witch.
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