For a record regarding itself inspired by the synth pop-feel of the eighties, Moonscapes brings that modern, futuristic ambience to the table, only with a couple spoonfuls of melancholy. It’s definitely a unique combination of sounds that may well be opposing each other, but it works in a way that it amplifies the emotions relayed through and through.
Each track has its own narrative aligned to different inevitable human experiences, which is the bigger picture in this scenario. “You Will Miss Me” is a song about parting ways, facing things alone, and the certain – and almost bold – claim that the other party is going to miss them once they are through. It’s as if the light and color from everything there is to know will be drained, as the narrator takes it all with them once they leave.
“Higher Ground” sounds like a continuation of the previous track, but it doesn’t follow the events after per se; this one could definitely stand on its own. That initial notion is merely a firsthand feel of the synth ambience connecting each song with another. This also features airy vocals that blend seamlessly through the arrangement.
Anyhow, it refers to a ‘higher ground’ as a peak of well-being and contentment that the individual is capable of taking them to. In other words, claiming that the person in question is what is best for them. It shares a similar sentiment with “High On Emotion”. The beat sets the vibe completely, and the lines go on about persuasion, as if there’s only one person they can have an emotional connection with.
It only gets bolder and real from here, as “Silent Man” comes off as confrontation, like it’s calling out the unkept promises and the deafening silence of the person this song is referring to. “There’s no hiding from the soul” is structured with simple words yet it speaks volumes. Additionally, it describes a person who is not able – or does not know how – to communicate.
“Only Love” starts with isolated vocals and keyboard, with the ambience grounding, and every component rises up to the surface with every second, one by one building up the entire sound. It all sounds hopeful, which checks out with the lines “A moment divine / And maybe the stars align”. In the near end, the tempo gets more lively, which adds a nice touch. The way the rhythm mingles with the melody and the layered vocals are great, it’s like soaring through a sky littered with stars.
Coming up with a sense of nostalgia, “Paragon” is straight-up catchy, a feel-good track that will easily win listeners over. It acts like an entire pep talk, a song of encouragement and reassurance. “What we keep here go / Where wild things go” is interesting, as it is an ultimate nod to the nature of holding and releasing, what humans are capable of in terms of discovering and creating to determine what they treasure and find significant amongst everything.
The vocals on the title track “Perfect In Your Eyes” resembles an almost robotic-like aura, but the lyrics and what it all means couldn’t be more real and humanistic. It touches on religion and its impact on people’s faith on the almighty god, in which it implies that if that god regarding them as perfect beings goes a long way. “Sad Hallelujah” continues the same theme, but this one taps on reflections of identity and the human nature of our inner selves. The chorus is powerful, and it’s filled with paradoxes, making it an in-depth and utterly beautiful song.
Overall, it takes never-seen-before mixes of sound and meaning, creating an incredibly personal yet universal album to provide a sense of connection between artist and listener. The lines are visually simple, but it all still manages to say a lot more than it looks. It is definitely worth giving it a shot.
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About the Author
Kate Clarice Lee is a psychology major in Ateneo de Naga University with a knack for music and writing. She takes interest in playing guitar, poetry, creative writing, and lyrics that—subjectively—hit close to home. Kate mostly enjoys indie, alternative, pop & punk rock music.
