moon mask’s visceral lyricism might not generate the most marketable candy heart slogans, but it sure does hit home when paired with hazy new-wave instrumentation.
The Manila, Philippines-based dream-pop quartet — Consisting of lead-singer/producer Zeon Gomez, guitarist Felipe, bassist Dean Dela Cruz, and drummer Julio Del Prado — has officially mailed out its sophomore EP, relapse, today via ZOOM LENS. The 5-track release is a Valentine’s card addressed to the perpetually heartbroken. Synth leads and reverb-drenched guitar chords twinkle with romanticism, only obscured by a pervasive sense of despair.
“relapse is about revisiting old pains — the ones I never really got to talk about for my older material” says Gomez.
These pains include feelings of inadequacy, spoiled prom dates, and overcoming angst through long, aimless drives — a stark contrast to uptempo beats and major scale progressions. relapse is a light at the end the tunnel; a kiss-off printed on a black candy heart.
Purchase relapse here, and stream the EP (which has garnered pre-release buzz from CNN and Spotify’s “Weekend Hangout” playlist) below while polishing off the last few chocolates in your sampler box. Raspberry filling never tasted so bittersweet.
relapse EP tracklisting:
01. boulevard
02. enough
03. promenade
04. risa
05. daytime boyfriend