EP Review: Lunavela

Lunavela is the current musical project of Steve Mathieson, formerly of Auckland indie outfit Collapsing Cities.

The 5 track self-titled EP is described by Lunavela as Shoegaze House, which is a genre I have never heard of before. Research educated me to the fact that it is a form of Dream Pop.

Lyrics on Lunavela are delightfully catchy and personal “Says Mathieson, I would describe my songs as storytelling-based songs about love, relationship breakdowns and intimacy etc.”  Dream Pop has a tendency to feature synth heavily and this is no exception, you seem to get swept along in an electronic tide of 1980’s nostalgia. You may be forgiven for thinking you accidently pushed play on a Human League CD.

There is an entrancing vibe to this album which is appealing; the beat has you tapping your toes whilst entering into a dream like state at the same time.

Noise and distortion which appear to be a feature of the Shoegaze style, is kept to a minimum. Instead letting the percussion compliment the synth rather than competing with it. On further investigation, this is Bedroom Dream Pop, so perhaps a toned-down version of Shoegaze. There are definitely no “walls of guitars” or “cascades of feedback”. 

An intriguing CD cover featuring artwork by Sheva Kafai, offers plenty of visual interest.

★★★★ (4 stars)