WALK THE MOON – ‘Talking Is Hard’: An 80s Pop Sing-Along

Walk The Moon

Los Angeles – Cincinnati dance-pop quartet, WALK THE MOON have released their third (second on RCA) record, Talking Is Hard. In the hands of Tim Pagnotta (Neon Trees, Matthew Koma), WALK THE MOON continue to ascend their own bright 80s-pop inclined sound. The brand-new album features 12 glistening pop jams that will keep you dancing all winter. Lead singer Nicholas Petricca brings his dominating and majestic vocals alongside huge guitar hooks (Eli Maiman), driving baselines (Kevin Ray), and heart pulsating drums (Sean Waugaman).

The new material would definitely fit the bill at any party. It’s the quintessential college anthem record. However, it’s not a reiteration from the band’s previous self-titled record. While there’s considerably more emphasis on dance-pop songs, the band packs more emotional punch across the board. The grittier pop tunes certainly catch your ear more as one navigates deeply through the 43-minute endeavor. Talking Is Hard starts off electrifying and closes out with a soft 80s-inspired tune proving the Ohio boys clearly have the chops to touch upon not one, but numerous musical avenues.

Opener, “Different Colors,” excites on so many levels. A beautifully composed pop song with Pertricca singing, “sing ooh, DIFFERENT COLORS/ooh, we carry each other/ooh, we’re just DIFFERENT COLORS,” for a chorus too catchy not to sing along with. The fuzzy guitars and playful tempo drives this superbly dynamic tune. WALK THE MOON’s single, “Shut Up and Dance,” is reminiscent of vintage Fall Out Boy. Therefore it’s going to be exceptionally upbeat. With “Shut Up and Dance,” WALK THE MOON have the most captivating dance song of the year. It would be simply impossible to not dance when hearing these infectiously appealing beats. Petricca zealously sings the verse, “A backless dress and some beat up sneaks/My discotheque Juliet teenage dream/I felt it in my chest as she looked at me/I knew we were born to be together, Born to be together,” that comes off so effortlessly cool. The positive energy within the song will lift any dreary mood one could possibly have during these wintertime blues.

Walk The Moon album

The highlight track on Talking Is Hard is undoubtedly, “Avalanche.” This melodic tune is sporting a crisp echo that’s downright intoxicating. It’s driven by a harmonic progression from Maiman on guitar teamed up with Waugaman’s compelling drum work. The final three songs slow down the tempo of the record just a bit, which is coincidentally invigorating. “Come Under The Covers” is a gentler resonance than what most of the album offers. With that note, Perticca’s vocal cadence is far more delicate here over the energetic basslines of Kevin Ray than anywhere else on the album. The wistful and alluring “Come Under The Covers” outwardly displays just another side WALK THE MOON have created for themselves.

The unabashedly 80s style of “Aquaman” brings the record to a pleasant close and resembles a classic pop song from 30 years ago. The band’s recognizable 80s sound actually feels comforting more than alarmingly repetitious like others performing in this bygone era’s latest revival. Talking Is Hard swiftly flies by yet there’s an insurmountable quantity of fun throughout its entirety. The amalgamation of 80s new wave with modern indie pop works exceptionally well. With the installment of Talking Is Hard, WALK THE MOON have strikingly fashioned a distinguishable sound that somewhat reflects other music periods. However, it completely and cohesively comes together in the most refreshing and satisfying way possible

WALK THE MOON is playing several high profile shows in December. Check out their Facebook for more information about their headlining tour kicking off in March 2015.
Sean Kayden

Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.
Sean Kayden

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