Moon Rules Apply

Oswego, Illinois, USA

Active since 2021

Genre: grunge; alternative rock

The band’s sound is a modern evolution of ’90s grunge, hard rock, and alternative rock, having a distinct ''dad-rock'' vibe. They take inspirations from bands such as Soundgardern, Nirvana, and Alice in Chains.

Lead guitarist and vocalist Andre Holman experiments with Hendrix-like riffs, making significant use of the wah-pedal to create drenched solos. Their drummer Ryan Weaver has a background in jazz, which contributes to the band's technical rythmical structures and creates the powerful and energetic sound.

Their lyrics often explore angst, deep-seated emotion, and social observation. Early tracks were fueled by youthful angst, as they matured they took on a more harsh emotional depth. Some lyrics indicate a focus on vulnerability and the release of internal pressure. Their album "Too Many Damn Hippies On My Front Lawn" also includes nods to punk and ska.

Their live performances are sweaty and high-adrenaline where they encourage the audience and themselves to look as stupid as possible and let go of inhibitions.

Songs that stood out to me:

''Office Papers'' - Widely considered their most popular one, the song highlights Andre Holman’s ability to write riffs that are both catchy and heavy. It is less about rebellion and more about the psychological preservation of the self.

''Caged Mind'' - This track leans heavily into the Alice in chains and Tool comparisons. The idea behnd it is self-imposed restriction. It is perhaps the most grunge and sludge-influenced art rock track on the album, that proves their depth as songwriters.

Similar to Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Chevelle.