Luna Waves, the brainchild of Nottingham-based multi-instrumentalist Rob Muir, has been steadily carving out a niche in the realm of modern alternative music. With a sound deeply rooted in the nostalgic realms of 90s rock and shoegaze, Luna Waves is set to release their fourth full-length album, *Comedowns*, on Friday, June 28, 2024. This release follows the singles “Half Awake,” released on March 1, 2024, and “Sad Girl Canon,” released on May 15, 2024, setting the stage for what promises to be a reflective and evocative musical journey.
*Comedowns* is a 12-track album that Muir has been meticulously crafting since the autumn of 2023. This project marks a deliberate shift towards a more pronounced 90s rock and shoegaze influence than previous Luna Waves albums. The lyrical themes of *Comedowns* delve into nostalgia, fading memories, and the pain of lost friendships and lovers. These themes are enveloped in washed-out and sombre tones, creating a soundscape that drifts and floats, capturing the mood of late-night ruminations and early morning haze.
Muir’s intent with this album was to encapsulate the feeling of lying awake late at night, contemplating past lives and experiences. This introspective and moody atmosphere is a hallmark of the shoegaze genre, and Luna Waves employs it masterfully throughout *Comedowns*.
The creation of *Comedowns* is a testament to Rob Muir’s dedication and DIY ethos. Recorded and produced solely by Muir over the course of two years, the album is a true labour of love. After the sessions for *Seafoam Dream (Part 2)* were abandoned, Muir spent significant time between 2018 and 2022 teaching himself how to use Ableton Live. This new skill set allowed him to experiment more freely, leading to a more textured and expansive sound.
Muir performs every instrument and sound on the album, with the exception of some backing vocals provided by his wife, Suzy Muir. This hands-on approach not only showcases Muir’s multi-instrumental talent but also imbues the album with a personal and intimate feel. The album was mixed and mastered by Chris Corney, marking the fourth collaboration between the two.
Raised on a steady diet of 90s rock giants like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and The Smashing Pumpkins, Muir considers himself a 90s kid at heart. However, his musical education was broadened by his musician father, who introduced him to a diverse array of influences, including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix. These foundational influences have shaped the unique sound of Luna Waves. Further inspiration comes from contemporary artists such as Tame Impala, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and Beach House, among others. This blend of classic and modern influences allows Luna Waves to traverse a variety of emotional and ethereal soundscapes, from psychedelic rock to dream-pop, and from stoner rock to shoegaze.
Despite releasing two albums in 2022, *Blood Moon* and *Bruised Gold*, Muir spent much of 2023 working on new material, which would eventually form the foundation of *Comedowns*. The decision to release two albums within a year was a significant challenge and achievement for an unsigned DIY artist like Muir. *Blood Moon*, released in March 2022, received much praise for its ambition and creativity, setting high expectations for future releases.
*Comedowns* represents a further evolution of the Luna Waves sound, moving away from traditional singer-songwriter territory and exploring more diverse influences. The album’s tracks were built from loops and spacey instrumentals rather than starting with conventional song structures. This approach has resulted in a sprawling, creative work that showcases Muir’s ability to blend different genres and influences seamlessly.
As Luna Waves gears up for the release of *Comedowns*, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement. Muir is actively promoting the album, seeking reviews and generating momentum behind this latest project. The global darkness and shifting times of recent years have undoubtedly influenced the mood and themes of *Comedowns*, making it a timely and resonant release.
Rob Muir’s journey as Luna Waves is a testament to the power of self-expression and the DIY spirit. With *Comedowns*, he invites listeners to join him on a reflective and nostalgic journey through sound, memory, and emotion. As we lay awake late at night, ruminating on our past lives, *Comedowns* provides the perfect soundtrack for our introspective moments.
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