Boorloo/Perth-based group Veruca Moon have been building a strong following through performances at Western Australian events like Nannup Music Fest, WAMFest, and RTR’s Winter Music Fest. Now with the release of their self-titled debut EP, it’s time for the rest of the country to hear what they can do.
A great debut EP should serve as the perfect introduction. This EP does that beautifully. From the atmospheric soundscape that ushers in the opening song “War,” we know instantly that Veruca Moon are doing things their way. This track is so cool and brooding, with spine-tingling harmonies and a driving, almost primal rhythm. Talk about making a strong first impression.
“Let Me Go” is a bit of a left turn, a rock ballad with an easy groove and insightful lyrics about the wrong relationship. “About You,” has such a playful feel that you might mistake it for a love song if you weren’t paying attention to the lyrics. Don’t miss them, because they’re superb. Veruca Moon leave us waiting until “Winter Solstice” to deliver a song about a pure, beautiful love. I’m unsure whether it’s about finding yourself in the right relationship or learning to love yourself, because it works both ways, but I’m not sure it matters much. Instead, it’s more important to tap into those lyrics and let yourself get swept up in the cinematic, cathartic instrumentation.
It could be the ideal closer, but instead Veruca Moon reprises “About You.” This acoustic version, recorded at the Vinyl Café, really shows how good this band is. When you can create music this good away from the studio, with simple instruments, it’s really special. I loved revisiting this song and hearing it presented in such a new way.
In this introduction, Veruca Moon give us a tantalising taste of what they can do. This EP takes so many twists and turns that I’m sure there’s plenty more in their arsenal. While the songs are quite sonically different, they’re drawn together by exceptional lyrics that aren’t afraid to get raw and real. It’s an excellent EP and one that shows the promise of this exciting WA outfit. Veruca Moon will launch the EP tomorrow night at The Bird in Noongar Country/Northbridge.
Images used with permission from Blue Grey Pink