Walk The Moon has pressed the restart button. They took the music world by storm in 2015 with “Shut Up And Dance” but their fame and music were abruptly interrupted by family sickness as described in my previous article. While they may have pressed restart (their tour is literally titled, “Press Restart Tour“) Walk The Moon is not the same happy go lucky, dance and celebrate every moment like it is your last. Their new album “What if Nothing” comes out Friday, November 10.
The still has happiness in the album’s foundation, but they have grown (Just as my previous article states, you should really consider reading it since I keep nagging you).
“One Foot” established that they are still happy, and they have only made it through difficult times together. The message this song sends to the world is needed during such dark and divided times. The final line, “Don’t you know all that we have is each other” makes the message clear. Want more insight? They actually have a music video with footnotes from the band explaining the struggle they had, as well as their connection to life. The interesting and clashing artwork is possibly alluding to the different band members (in the music video) feeling more connected to different things like the earth or space (see quote at 1:58). In the end, “There’s a separation but in the end, you realize it’s all an illusion,” and, “all we have is each other”.
The next single “Headphones” took a darker turn. With its heavier lyrics and bass, we get a music style that reminds me personally of Awolnation. It seems to be alluding to learning in life is like taking a beating. He ties this beating to a pair of headphones, almost like we enjoy it. This twisted style has some of their roots, but I wonder if we will hear more of their dark side on “What If Nothing”. I certainly hope so!
The newest single “Surrender” was released on Friday, October 27. This song was a mellow and tearful curveball to me. “Headphones” is different, but it quickly grew on me. “Surrender” sounds more like their classic style (With slight The 1975 vibes), but the heartbreak that is weaved into the lyrics is a beautiful masterpiece. The lyrics show he has given up. He has surrendered. He wishes he could make a change, but the past is fixed. “One Foot” should follow this song because the joy and happiness of that song is the answer to this one’s melancholy tone. I hope Nicholas Petricca, or whichever band member this song is the perspective of, is warmed by “One foot” the way I am.
If the singles are an indicator, the new album “What If Nothing” is going to be an emotional roller coaster. Their last album “Talking Is Hard” is an emotional high, that you could play from start to finish at a party where dancing was expected. “What If Nothing” may be perfect for happy nights with a touch of reality. A night where the world break’s your heart, but your friends and family hold you together.
-Wesley A. Gehman