Moonpools

"Their euphoric and optimistic interpretation of 90s shoegaze is so damn refreshing, and inflected with just the right balance of alt-pop sheen and nostalgic allure" - Electronic Sound

“A balance of wistful, dreamy indie-pop tones with a compelling and powerful urgency” - DIY
“With enveloping guitar textures, widescreen percussion and a gorgeous vocal” - God Is In The TV
“Bittersweet vocals and cinematic synths swirl around what ifs and lost moments” - Loud Women

Swiss shoegazers Moonpools have released their kaleidoscopic new EP ‘Hide and Seek’ today (19 April) via Young and Aspiring.

On their new EP 'Hide and Seek', the young Basel-based band offer up 5 standout tracks, from distorted and loud anthems, to hazy and intoxicating ballads. The five songs included on the album are an effortless blend of shoegaze, dreampop and contemporary alt-rock, with the EP release focus track 'Say Anything' in particular highlighting the groups ability to blend genres.

It's no secret the unmistakable sound of UK shoegaze has left an indelible mark upon Moonpools, as the band harness the wall of sound dreaminess Cocteau Twins and Slowdive, then refresh it with a modern pop inflection. My Bloody Valentine-esque walls of guitar and synth come from layers of guitars and synths, whilst the ethereal vocals and tender lyrics of singer and guitarist Marcie Nyffeler provide a perfect counterpoint. The classic tones of shoegaze greats are rounded out with inspirations from artists such as Mitski, Soccer Mommy and Alvvays. Previously released singles ‘Never Mind’, ‘Forget’ and ‘Someday’ demonstrate the band's knack for reinventing classic soundscapes for a modern day audience, whilst EP closer ‘See-Through’ is the very definition of bitter-sweet songwriting.

Focus track ‘Say Anything’ bursts into life with a tidal wave of glide guitars and scorching synths. The honeyed vocals of singer Marcie glide over driven drum and bass verses, with her characteristic lyrics combining sincerity with subtle wit. The track goes out alongside a music video showing the young band living their best lives. Filmed on the road, in their practice space and heading on stage to a huge crowd at Pärkli Jam in their hometown Basel. It's a video which makes you feel like a part of the Moonpools gang, along for the ride at an unbelievably exciting time. Speaking on the track, vocalist Marcie offers:

'Say Anything' is a conversation between two people. One shares their insecurities and doubts, the other expresses their understanding and shows that they are there to support the other and loves them unconditionally. Sometimes you don't even have to say anything, you understand each other without uttering a word. The hopeful synth goes straight to the ears and the distorted guitars sweep the listener away. Distorted and catchy, loud and inviting.”

At the start of February, Moonpools announced Hide and Seek with lead track ‘Never Mind’ and follow-ups ‘Forget’ and ‘Someday’. Capturing the interest of DIY, God Is In The TV, The Rodeo, BBC Introducing, John Kennedy on Radio X, and Amazing Radio as well as playlists by Spotify (Indie Brandneu), Rough Trade, Domino Records and VISIONS. An incredible live version of the band playing ‘Never Mind’ can be watched here, with an equally impressive live version of ‘Say Anything’ available to watch here. These live sessions perfectly capture all the roar and sparkle found on the recorded versions.

More About Moonpools

Moonpools are a five-piece band from Basel, Switzerland, made up of Marcie Nyffeler (vocals/ guitar), Jasper Nyffeler (drums), Francesco Vona (keyboard), Matthias Gusset (guitar) and David Blum (bass). Marcie and Jasper’s roots lie in North East England, in Durham, where they still regularly visit family. Upcoming EP Hide and Seek will follow on from 2019 EP Turbulent Times and 2022 EP Damaged Goods. Support from Moonpools coming from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. The band also impressed audiences playing to a packed room at the 2023 Montreux Jazz Festival 2023 and playing shows in support of bands like Mild Orange, The Grogans and Pile.

As well as the wall of sound influence of classic shoegaze groups, the sound of Moonpools is inspired by artists like Slow Pulp, Hatchie and Soccer Mommy, as they move between Indie Rock and Dream Pop with roaring guitars and anthemic synth parts.

The concise arrangements, however, only form the backdrop for the catchy and touching vocals that form the heart of the band. Marcie Nyffeler, whose lyrics are often a balancing act between melodrama and kitsch, sings about unrequited and unexpected love, loss of control and apathy.