We Speak Music
Newmoon drop blissful shoegaze track ‘Fading Phase’
Brace yourselves for an enchanting musical journey as Newmoon, the acclaimed shoegaze band from Antwerp, Belgium, unveils their third studio album ‘Temporary Light’, set for release on March 22nd 2024, through [PIAS] Recordings (EU) and Manifesto Records (US).
Ahead of the album release, Newmoon have released the album’s first single ‘Fading Phase’. Dreamy, hypnotic and ethereal with blooming guitars and gracefully haunting melodies, ‘Fading Phase’ will send listeners into a state of mesmerizing bliss.
“While writing this album I got a new guitar”, singer-guitarist Bert Cannaerts explains, “It was an older Rickenbacker from the 90’s with loads of wear and tear on it. Definitely a guitar that already had a great life before it got into my hands. The main riff of ‘Fading Phase’ was the first thing I wrote on that guitar and the whole song just kind of wrote itself as soon as I had that riff. It was one of those magical moments where everything just falls into place.”
‘Temporary Light’ is full of those magical moments. It weaves a sonic tapestry that harks back to the band’s roots yet retains a fresh approach that keeps their music alluring. Blending airy vocals with lush guitars, Newmoon creates an immersive sound that sweeps listeners off their feet into a striking world that feels distant yet familiar at the same time.
Joined by new drummer, Conor Dawson, album #3 marks an exciting chapter in Newmoon’s evolution. The band’s signature feel for grand yet delicate melodies are enriched by Dawson’s rhythmic finesse, adding a layer of depth and musicality to their songs.
After a more melodic approach on their previous release ‘Nothing Hurts Forever’, Newmoon returns to embrace their abrasive, dreamy and ethereal sound on “Temporary Light”. Eight tracks that sweep from gentle melodies and catchy hooks to plush walls of guitars and pummeling drums.
“Thick layers of guitars always felt natural to us and are kind of our main thing. We wanted to explore some ideas that have been in the back of our mind ever since we started this band,” says Bert Cannaerts. “As soon as we let go of trying to write a specific type of album, the songs grew organically and everything just clicked.”
Having previously recorded “Space” and the band’s debut EP “Invitation To Hold”, Newmoon enlisted engineer and producer Thomas Valkiers again to record “Temporary Light”. Additionally, Simon Scott of Slowdive,, renowned as one of the key people within the shoegazing genre, is responsible for mastering, truly elevating the sound of “Temporary Light”.
For the cover art the band contacted Brussels-based American painter Janise Yntema. “When we saw her painting everything just clicked,” explains Cannaerts. “We were immediately drawn to it and it felt like it fit the theme of the album so well. We got her permission right as we went into the studio so it also gave us some form of visual reference while recording.” The original painting is from 2019 and is titled ‘Morning Sky’.
London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.
Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’
‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.
Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.
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