Smokehowl - Moon Under My Skin
Alternative/Al.t Rock, Folk, Rock,
Michigan, United States
Overall Impression: With powerful lyrics and a beautiful melody to accompany them with their latest single “ Moon Under My Skin” Smokehowl has managed to create a powerful and memorable anthem, about breaking away and moving on from a bad situation, a song about strength, knowing your worth and standing up for yourself. The song has a folk-pop vibe and would appeal to listeners who appreciate those genres as well as independent music.
Strongest Point(s): The song is well-thought and composed and balanced beautifully from everything from the vocals to the arrangement. However, the focal points of the song lie in its vocals and lyrics. The song is filled with strong, powerful and beautifully accented vocals that are combined with layered harmonies and textures and a combination of varying pitches, that create an echoing effect. The sound is very much similar to and reminiscent of bands like The Cranberries. The song’s beautiful melody is filled with country-tinged notes on the guitar and bass, creating a beautiful, melancholic sound that is almost tragic, yet beautiful. The song is beautifully constructed taking you through every cathartic note and by the time the song is over you feel the tension of the mood when the song began, begin to wane and by the end, you feel that tension leave and return to release and peace and the lyrics of the song display just that. From the beginning lyrics “Somewhere in this stifling silence Beyond all the hate and violence, I know somebody just might love me Someone who won’t push or shove me I hurt just enough, for now, Got up and made it through somehow”. Those lyrics show the state of fear and panic, knowing the subject is in an abusive, no-win situation but with strength and faith, knowing they have to leave it now, taking back their power and moving on into the unknown. By the end of the song, the person is pulling themselves out of the dark using their inner strength, alluding to the fact that they are watched and protected by a higher power.
Target Audience Appeal: For fans of Alternative, Alt-rock, and Avant-Garde.
Artist target suggestions: The Dreamscapes Project, The Oh Hellos, Interpol, Alex Cameron, Beulah, Pixie Carnation, Stars, Razorlight, Aqualung, Blur, The Dear Hunter, The Music, Catherine Wheel, PJ Harvey, Garbage, Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes
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About the Reviewer:
Kristina Mondo is a freelance writer specializing in music journalism. From working as a columnist at various publications to managing PR and press campaigns for a camp music festival, and touring with various artists Kristina is a music lover appreciating all types of music and what they have to offer from Opera to rap, there is always something to appreciate in every song. Interviews, however, are her passion, because it's not just about what the artist lets you see but what you can draw out of them getting to the heart of who they really are.