Portland’s Moonkisser is set to release their latest EP, “Specific Wonderland,” on April 4, 2025, via Head2Wall Records (pre-order here).
The six-song release marks their third one-sided 12″ EP and finds the trio refining their balance of heavy and melodic songwriting. Ahead of the full release, the band is premiering the lead single, “Swept Away“, and we’re stoked to give you its first listen below!
Written during the isolated months of the pandemic, “Swept Away” emerged from long stretches of uninterrupted guitar playing and an experimental approach to practice. “We adapted our practice setup to be able to still practice once we got our bearings, and since shows were off the table, we stopped playing old songs and were free to sit with riffs and phrases,” explains guitarist Augustus Bowman. Working at low volumes allowed for a more collaborative process, as ideas could be discussed in real time and demoed with ease. The result was a set of songs that benefitted from meticulous layering and refinement.
Bowman points to “Swept Away” as a breakthrough moment in their songwriting. “This may have been THE song where I was like, to hell with it, the mental block about layering multiple guitar parts was thrown off. The live version and the recorded version can be two different but complementary things,” he says. The track features what Bowman calls “the fight riff,” influenced by the final section of “Filter the Infection” by Statue. It also marks the long-awaited debut of an E-bow he received years ago.
Vocalist and bassist Mason steps further into the spotlight on “Specific Wonderland,” with vocal arrangements that highlight his growth as a singer. “Mason got really confident with his vocals on this batch, where he’s singing more, and the layered vocals are more for accent than lack of confidence. I think his vocals really shine on this record, and I hope he’s as proud of his performances as I am,” says Bowman.
From the label’s perspective, “Specific Wonderland” showcases Moonkisser at their most refined. “Their mastery of riffs and complex melodies has never been clearer or more impressive,” notes Head2Wall Records. The EP’s blend of desperation, melancholy, and aggressive instrumentation elevates its impact beyond its runtime.
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With “Swept Away,” Moonkisser leans into the freedom they found in their adapted writing process, embracing both the intricacies of layered studio recordings and the raw energy of live performance. And it sounds great! The full release arrives in April, available on 12″ vinyl and digital formats, so keep your eyes peeled.
