A relaxing escape
Haunted Summer is a band consisting of husband and wife Bridgette Moody and John Seasons. The duo recently released their third album, Whole. On this record, they blend indie-pop and rock to create dreamy and laidback songs filled with captivating imagery and angelic harmonies. They create an escape and a place to tell stories of love and loss through their unique sound.
The first track, “Empty Nostalgia,” lives up to the title through its reflective lyrics and retro instrumentation. Moody sings about older times in a somber tone that longs for the past. The instrumentation is filled with rhythmic guitar, steady drums and a synthesizer. The mix of these instruments creates a nostalgic feeling that perfectly matches the title, especially when it is layered with her filtered vocals over the top.
The second track, “Camera,” which was featured as a single on the album, also takes on a mellow sound. It mixes rock and indie-pop sounds to create a mellow retro-sounding track. It is rhythmic, with gentle guitar plucks and delicate piano setting a laid-back tone. Moody sings a gentle melody that tells a story about longing for someone that is not present. After the chorus, gentle harmonies of “oohs” come in that are angelic and peaceful.
The fifth track, “Tree,” is a tranquil and gentle vibe that is easy to get lost in. It begins with layered acoustic guitars that create a beautiful melody, but after 30 seconds, they fade out, and she begins to sing over simple guitar strums. “Tree” tells a story with natural imagery that fits well with the acoustic guitar sounds, taking on more of a folk sound. It is reminiscent of Hozier’s music with layered guitars, gentle singing and lyrics full of imagery that is left for interpretation.
The following song, “You Put My Love Out the Door,” is one of the most popular songs on the album. It has a similar laid-back sound to the other tracks on the album, with layered guitars and floating vocals. The lyrics on this song are the most straightforward on the album. Moody sings about a lover pushing her love away and turning her away after all the affection that was given. While the lyrics are repetitive, it is very catchy and easy to listen to.
One of the last tracks on the album, “Black Heart,” encapsulates the peaceful sounds on the album along with the imagery-filled lyrics and retro vibe. A gentle acoustic guitar leads the track and is backed with hollow, rhythmic drums. The instruments come together, creating an echoey sound until they are joined by a synthesizer in the chorus that brings out a more retro feel.
Overall, Haunted Summer created an impressive album that blends sounds from rock and pop to create a dreamy, tranquil aura. Over the relaxing instrumentation, Moody’s voice floats, while describing various feelings, scenes and stories.
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