We Speak Music

The Lower Aetna Deliver Masterful Tune ‘Blood Moon’

Published

9 months ago

August 10, 2024

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.

We Speak Music

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

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.