The Act: MOON PANDA

The Release: ‘MAKE WELL’

The Format: DIGITAL EP

The Release Date: JULY 3RD 2020

The Digital Link: orcd.co/moonpanda_makewell

The Tracklisting:
1. ‘RICK F***IN DALSTON’
2. ‘SIRENS’
3. ‘IT’S NOTHING’
4. ‘SLOW DRIVE’
5. ‘MILKY WAY’

*** CORONAVIRUS STOP PRESS *** As part of the Covid Version sessions, whereby isolating fierce panda bands cover a tune of their choice to entertain themselves, and indeed the masses, Moon Panda have administered a great big hug to The Strokes’ ‘Call It Fate, Call It Karma’ track – go see the results at www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQXfstRh43M
*** CORONAVIRUS STOP PRESS ***

The Truth: coming from the mythical, mystical lands of California and Denmark, Moon Panda is a worldly wise duo fully prepped to gently launch you into the electric currents that govern deep space. When Moon Panda isn't lulling you into a dream with their hypnotic, mellow grooves they're whipping up trippy, psychedelic music videos that coax you into their world and ask you to stay awhile. Their last one featured the kind of bulbous papier mache noggins last seen on Frank Sidebottom, as you can see and hear here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6J6bNeYUFQ

Such is cosmic life with Moon Panda, the freshest arrivals into the fierce panda fold. Fronted up by songwriter/singer/bassist Maddy Myers (she be the young American) and guitarist Gustav Moltke (he be the great Dane) they released their new single ‘Slow Drive’ – their second for the panda – on May 15th. Bloody lovely it was, too: yearning and twanging and melancholic and layered with echoes (echoes echoes) and slinkier than a ferret in a feather boa. 6Music’s Lauren Laverne agreed, claiming it as her favourite single of the year, and current third track ‘Sirens’ adds to the beguiling story with its dreampop aura underpinned by beefy ELO drummings.

Both tunes are taken from Moon Panda’s ‘Make Well’ EP, released on July 3rd, following springtime’s ‘Rick F***in’ Dalton’ single. It continues the duo’s dreamy musical theme as laid out by last year’s ‘Pastel Pools’ EP, as theirs is a world of swooning vocals and tranquil twangs with a touch of Mazzy Star gone star-gazing, or perhaps the nonchalant thrill of a thoroughly chilled Raveonettes.

Like so many others, MOON PANDA’s planned landing at SXSW in the spring went horribly bloody awry. Like so many others, for Maddy and Gustav 2020 is a year when honesty has become inescapable. At first their instinct had been to try and separate their relationship from their music, but now the pair are being open about the inextricable link between their marriage and their work as Moon Panda. The ‘Make Well’ EP sees them reflect upon who they are, what has happened along the way, and what needs to happen before they can look towards the future.

“All in all it’s about healing, both together and by ourselves. It’s been the toughest year yet. But we’ve been together, and that’s something,” says Myers.

Having toured throughout the UK and Denmark, including notable shows supporting the Japanese House, Slow Club and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, the Moon Panda live show is a supple, sensuous delight where walls of synth are wrapped around catchy grooves and guitar lines jut out and remind you where you are.

These are people who enjoy documentaries about space, all the animals, their band dog B-MO, being by the sea, giant trees, and great television.

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www.fiercepanda.co.uk