Aryel Moon is an alternative rock/ grunge band led by Italy-born musician Donatella Camedda, who have been building a reputation on Dublin’s live circuit. The band now return with a new offering, ‘Little Bit Closer’. A song that speaks of the initial rush of desire during the initial stages of falling for someone and the gap between genuine connection and limerence. In the process, the song cements the band as rising ones to watch amongst Dublin’s music scene. Following the release of previous singles ‘Bluebell’ and ‘Eulogy’ which caught the attention of Hot Press, PureMZine, TheBeat.ie, Ragged Cast, Rock N Load, Turn Up The Volume, Daily Earworm on XRP Radio and The Mosh Pit on Dublin City FM, the band spent the next six months working intensely on new material. The result is a more refined and focused sound that is all at once melancholy but cathartic. Pulling on influences PJ Harvey, Hole, and St. Vincent the band channels the grit and emotion of '90s alt-rock through a modern lens, blending grunge, punk energy, riot grrrl infusions and poetic depth.
Aryel Moon is an alternative rock/ grunge band led by Italy-born musician Donatella Camedda, who have been building a reputation on Dublin’s live circuit. The band now return with a new offering, ‘Little Bit Closer’. A song that speaks of the initial rush of desire during the initial stages of falling for someone and the gap between genuine connection and limerence. In the process, the song cements the band as rising ones to watch amongst Dublin’s music scene. Following the release of previous singles ‘Bluebell’ and ‘Eulogy’ which caught the attention of Hot Press, PureMZine, TheBeat.ie, Ragged Cast, Rock N Load, Turn Up The Volume, Daily Earworm on XRP Radio and The Mosh Pit on Dublin City FM, the band spent the next six months working intensely on new material. The result is a more refined and focused sound that is all at once melancholy but cathartic. Pulling on influences PJ Harvey, Hole, and St. Vincent the band channels the grit and emotion of '90s alt-rock through a modern lens, blending grunge, punk energy, riot grrrl infusions and poetic depth.
The band centers around Donatella Camedda (guitar/vocals) as the primary songwriter for the band. Writing begins as a solitary exercise, songs often start life on acoustic guitar and find their own path into existence, they can come in a flash or develop over a period of time. Donatella pens the music, melodies and lyrics before taking the raw track to the band. A process she says is crucial in giving the band and music its unique vibe, adding layers and depth that shape the final expression of each track. The band is completed by Luca Masi (electric guitar), Stefano Vita (bass) and Nando Alonso (drums).
It's this unique vibe that we hear on new single ‘Little Bit Closer’. Expanding upon and refining the sound establish on ‘Bluebell’ and ‘Eulogy’, ‘Little Bit Closer’ is the sound of Aryel Moon becoming a band. The song starts with Donatella’s distinctive vocal, the DNA of Queen Courtney running through it but sounding entirely herself. Chiming chords provide a brief intro before being joined by Stefano’s throbbing bass and Nando’s insistent drums as they drive the song forward. Allowing for Donatella’s velvet vocals to soar along a top the music. All before the chorus explodes and Donatella’s dual vocals act as her own call and response. Lyrically Donatella says “It carries that mix of desire, anticipation, and adrenaline you feel in the very first stage of falling for someone. That in-between space where you’re caught between genuine connection and the rush of limerence.” Much like the spark of desire in the song, at 2 minutes 45 seconds ‘Little Bit Closer’ appears like a flash and is gone. Building steadily over its run time towards its explosive crescendo with the band firing on all cylinders and over drive pedals driving amps to break up, it’s a euphoric finish to a track that is reminiscent of their influences but offering something fresh and contemporary as the band find their own voice.
When it came time to record the band looked inward, choosing to adopt a DIY approach they turned to Stefano to engineer, mix and produce the track. It was important to the band to accurately capture the band’s live sound and in doing so the energy and vibe of the track. Recorded at the band’s rehearsal space it allowed the band to be comfortable and relaxed during recording, not watching the clock, it meant they could experiment, adding different layers and harmonies to the track.
The artwork for the track was shot by Anna Burnett and then Michael Smyth (Old Crows Promotions) worked on editing and layout to produce the final piece. The artwork nods to rebellious folklore, mystical elements, and a touch of magic and dreaminess. It acts as the start of a visual language that will be developed over future releases, a red thread that will tie Aryel Moon’s universe together.
© Michael Smyth
