We Speak Music
The Lower Aetna Deliver Masterful Tune ‘Blood Moon’
Emerging from the quiet solitude of his quarantined apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dylan Gallimore found inspiration in the most unlikely of places. After his previous band, Honeyjar, went on indefinite hiatus, Gallimore turned to songwriting as a lifeline while grappling with the novel Coronavirus. Wrapped in the comfort of an afghan knitted by his mom, Gallimore embarked on a new musical journey, birthing The Lower Aetna—a project deeply rooted in both personal and artistic exploration.
This new chapter in Gallimore’s career sees him partnering with his childhood best friend and former bandmate, Kayla Rae Molocznik. Together, they have crafted a musical refuge, drawing inspiration from a lake in South Jersey that was a fixture of Gallimore’s upbringing. The Lower Aetna’s debut album, Waiting For God To Turn On The Lights, introduced listeners to their remarkable storytelling abilities, tackling the emotionally charged topic of online conspiracies tearing families apart. With their upcoming album, Pine, Gallimore is set to explore even deeper, more personal themes, particularly his experiences as a queer man in the Pine Barrens, all while blending genres like folk, alt-country, and classic rock.
Their latest single, “Blood Moon,” is a hauntingly beautiful entry into the band’s evolving sound. With a moody alt-country vibe, the song captures the essence of Gallimore’s teenage years, filled with struggles for connection while working on a farm. The raw emotion embedded in “Blood Moon” speaks to themes of loneliness and longing, universal feelings that resonate deeply with listeners.
Recorded in a DIY fashion across homes in Philadelphia, “Blood Moon” showcases the band’s rich instrumentation and soulful harmonies. This approach not only adds a layer of intimacy to the track but also highlights the creative resilience that has defined The Lower Aetna from its inception. The song is a powerful reminder of how art can flourish in the most unexpected circumstances, turning personal experiences into universal stories that speak to the human condition.
The Lower Aetna’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music, where personal adversity can give rise to profound artistic expression. As Gallimore and Molocznik continue to explore new sonic landscapes, their music remains a beacon of authenticity, inviting listeners to join them on a path of discovery and connection. “Blood Moon” is not just a single—it’s an invitation to dive deeper into the world of The Lower Aetna, where every note and lyric reflects the raw, unfiltered experiences of life.
Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.
At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.
‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.
What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.
‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.
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