Lyon, France based Lunation Fall describe what they do as “a constant quest for the alliance between melancholic dreampop and unleashed noise rock”, but as usual, genre labels fail to fully capture what the band does and what they accomplish with this intense, dreamy yet still energetic debut EP.
“Near” starts with the mid-tempo, very dreamy, shoegaze track “Sweet Misery”, and we are introduced to Celia Broch’s intoxicating vocals placed perfectly over the driving bass and full force of the song pummeling ahead with post-punk vibes and droney guitar runs. The next track “Aube” is a bit more subdued but is also full of jangly guitar parts layered over the band’s solid rhythm section.
Driving bass lines bring post-punk elements, somewhat reminiscent of The Cure or Joy Division, providing foundation to the songs with tasteful runs often on the higher end of the fret board, but never straying too far from the root notes.
The next 2 tracks “Precious Time” and “Mercury” pick up the pace a bit as they’re both quicker and poppier, but with all the band’s strengths continuing to shine, with “Mercury” coming forth as a highlight of the EP with its hooky chorus and discordant noise. “Reflections” is the most up-tempo track which is a nice change, with killer guitar parts bringing intensity and interesting drum interludes breaking it up nicely.
The 6 minute “Mydriasis” finishes off the EP with the first lead male vocal by guitarist Thibaud Furst. Broken up with stops filled with picked out chords over the foundational bass, the song is full of long instrumental periods that showcase the band’s dynamic abilities.
“Near” was released 4/16. It is available on limited 12” vinyl and handmade cassettes via Stellar Frequencies. It can be purchased here.
The band plans to resume shows once things open up, and already have an opening slot booked in 2022 with Australian shoegaze/psych band Flyying Colours.
