Music Review: Good Night Moon Returns with Self-Titled EP

Danielle Isaac
1 hour ago
3 min read

Good Night Moon is back and releasing their first project in 20 years. The self-titled collection is due out this Friday, January 23^rd,is a fully re-recorded version of their original record, produced by Matt Marino and Ian Marchionda, mixed by Aaron Marsh, and mastered by Jonathan Berlin.

The EP immediately started on a high note. We go straight into it with no slow build up, just straight pedal to the metal. “We Cure The Hearts” was an excellent choice for the first song of the EP. I would describe this song as unpredictable but in a good way. The riffs that accompany the vocals are simple yet catchy. I enjoy how forward the vocals are in the production and how sometimes the guitars get brought closer to make great harmony with them. The drums in this song are nicely balanced and not excessive, not too little. I loved the sudden change of pace where the song slows down and vocal harmonizing begins. The overlap of harsher vocals with the harmonies is not only a nice touch, but a great way to end the song in a way that makes you want to see what comes next.

“We Cure the Hearts” seamlessly blends into “Music Is My Medicine”, the song title alone already tells me this song is meant to invoke a more emotional reaction. The lyrics are ones that I can see many people connecting with. What I’m loving about their sound so far is how they channel the glory days of post-hardcore/emo and add a modern element and production to it. There is a lot of emotion in their vocalists’ distinctive style, and you can’t help but put yourself in their shoes and feel the music along with them.

Much like their previous song, this one blended straight into “Her Achille’s Heel”. Sonically, this song is probably my favorite on this EP. The distorted ripples from the guitar leading into an emotional breakdown went together like bread and butter. This song has a different vibe than the first two, and the next song has an even more different vibe.

“Down Under the Brooklyn Bridge” is the fourth song on the EP and the best way to describe this one, is that it is reminiscent, in the best way possible of Hawthorne Heights. The structures, melodies, vocal overlays of this song are the type that I believe is difficult to execute as I haven’t come across many songs like this before. They did it wonderfully and I am already hyped to add this one to my playlist. This song is truly 2000’s perfection and I have nothing but praise for not only this song but this EP so far.

Onto the fifth and final song, “Hard to Breathe”. The sudden change in tempo surprised me but I do have to say that this was probably the best song to end an EP on. A strong start and relaxed finish are just one of those things that makes sense. Chef’s kiss moment, truly. As I’m listening to the song, the only thing going through my head is how badly I want to raise my lighter and wave my arm back and forth at one of their concerts. This song’s not a ballad, not a headbanger. But the perfect medium where you can sway back and forth and sing along to.

In conclusion after hearing this self-titled EP, the best way to describe what I’m feeling is pleasantly surprised. I usually go into a listening experience feeling quite neutral and I’m not sure what I was expecting, but anything I could have was exceeded. Good Night Moon is fantastic and have a catchy and marketable sound. I will not be surprised if I see them on the festival circuit in the not-too-distant future after their more than10-year show hiatus. Excellent work, Good Night Moon. I am eagerly anticipating what is next for you.

Good Night Moon is JB Corey (Vocals), Rob Clark (Drums), Andy Plasencia (Bass), Reid Schupp (Guitar), Zack Matevia (Guitar), and Mike Dipietro (Guitar).