Album Review: "Herodias" by The Lunar Year

Hey guys!

Random thought - have you ever wondered what an album would be like, if it were a person?
Maybe this question sounds like I've had too much to drink, but hear me out.

I think albums do have personalities.
Some are brutally honest, some cheer us up with their lightness, others allow us to be (passive) aggressive with their heavier traits and some just make us cry because of how melancholic they are.

So, if your favourite album was a person - would you be friends?

(Maybe this intro is a bit weird, but let's not dwell on that.)

Today we'd like to introduce you to an album, we would definitely befriend!

Band: The Lunar Year
Title: Herodias
Genre: Alternative
Label: Independent
Release Date: 16th June 2017

The Lunar Year are an indie-rock band from Philadelphia, USA.

The band are:
Katie Burke (vocals, piano)
Steve Heine (guitar, vocals)
Zach McCaw (bass)
Kevin Walker (drums)

The origins of the band's sound can be traced back to singer&songwriter Katie's childhood, which was shaped by multiple acts and genres.

With a love for The Beatles, Billy Joel and The Beach Boys, but also a huge interest in the Classical and Romantic era, the band's style is very open minded.

You'll find honest and personal lyrics, as well as relatable stories in The Lunar Year's repertoire.

Their single "Porcelain", aka the most beautiful song you've heard in a while, has reached over 145,000 streams on Spotify so far.

And now, we are so excited for you to read our review of their debut album "Herodias".

Enjoy!

 Tracklist:

1) Parachute Lung

2) Wolves

3) Backyard Deck

4) Hey Mister Gray

5) The Brigade
6) Blue and Orange

7) Heady Love

8) Saturn's Rings

9) Porcelain

10) As Your Own
11) Herodias
12) Sirens

The album greets us with the strong, yet fragile "Parachute Lung".
The dark piano couldn't be more mesmerizing if it tried. As soon as you hear the first chords, you know you're about to witness something great.
The second singer Katie's vocals hit you, you'll feel completely paralyzed - unable to do anything but listen to her and the stories she has to tell.
A dynamic build-up unfolds the song and makes you want to keep it on repeat for days.
D A Y S.

One of the most charming tracks on the album is "Blue and Orange".
It reminds me of a Sunday afternoon, soft sunlight and carefree moments. The vocals lead us through the track, whilst the piano accompanies us the entire time and makes sure we feel comfortable and allow ourselves to dive into the music.

I remember when I first heard lead single "Porcelain" after finding it in our submissions inbox. I couldn't handle the beauty of this track and had to listen to it on repeat. Once we got to celebrate our fifth birthday with Katie's stunning performance of the song (watch here), the tears started to escape my eyes.
It's one of the most beautiful ballads we've discovered in a while; the calm piano paired with Katie's expressive vocals - it just gets us every time. The instrumentation is kept very simple - it's the piano, lead vocals, backing vocals and a light rhythm section. And honestly - that's all that's needed!

To sum it up: There's definitely a noticeable theme on "Herodias" - every track stands out and fills you with so many emotions. This album has easily made it onto our list of favourite debuts - I mean, how could it not?
The Lunar Year are a strong and talented band and we simply cannot wait for what is yet to come.


You should listen to these tracks: Parachute Lung, Heady Love, Blue and Orange, Porcelain





- buy "Herodias" - 
- stream "Herodias" -



The Lunar Year online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: The Lunar Year

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Song Of The Day: "Backyard Deck" by The Lunar Year

Hey guys!

No matter what is going on, I know one thing for sure:
good music will always keep me going, when it comes to writing.

Nothing inspires me more than hearing a powerful song, and feeling the immediate need to write about it.
It's one of the best feelings as a writer and I'm so thankful for all the bands and solo acts who provide me with that kind of music I need.

Today I get to share one of those magical songs with you.

Song Of The Day:
- "Backyard Deck" by The Lunar Year -

The Lunar Year are an indie-rock band from Philadelphia, USA.

The band are:
Katie Burke (vocals, piano)
Steve Heine (guitar, vocals)
Zach McCaw (bass)
Kevin Walker (drums)

The origins of the band's sound can be traced back to singer&songwriter Katie's childhood, which was shaped by multiple acts and genres.
With a love for The Beatles, Billy Joel and The Beach Boys, but also a huge interest in the Classical and Romantic era, the band's style is very open minded.

You'll find honest and personal lyrics, as well as relatable stories in The Lunar Year's repertoire.

Their single "Porcelain", aka the most beautiful song you've heard in a while, has reached over 145,000 streams on Spotify so far.

To give us a taster of their upcoming album "Herodias" which will be out on June 16th, The Lunar have just released their latest single "Backyard Deck".
 
Some people are blessed with voices that just touch you immediately.
The Lunar Year's singer Katie is definitely one of those people, and "Backyard Deck" is going to prove my point to you.

A charming and gentle piano greets you in the beginning of the song and stays by your side like a good friend would.

Katie's vocals vary from deep and calm, to high, yet strong notes. You'll hang onto every word being sung; and you'll find yourself carefully listening to the song unfolding itself.

The bass plays an important part, giving the song a lot of depth and power.
Guitar and drums work together hand in hand and breathe a lot of indie-rock life into the song.

"Backyard Deck" is one of those songs you should listen to, no matter what kind of genre you are into.

Watch the video for the song now:




The Lunar Year online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

 

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: The Lunar Year

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Day 15: The Lunar Year | #HITSBC17

Hey guys!

So far we have already had the chance to showcase multiple genres, multiple setups and multiple moods on this countdown.
We've got songs that are perfect for a relaxed Sunday afternoon,
songs you want to dance to,
and songs that are absolutely touching.

Today's song falls into the latter category and I cannot wait for you to check it out.


What is #HITSBC17?
HITSBC17 stands for house in the sand's Birthday Countdown 2017.
Throughout the entire month of February, we are going to celebrate house in the sand's fifth birthday.
(Because why celebrate on one day, if you can celebrate for an entire month, right?)
With the support from some of the finest artists and bands around, each day in February will be filled with an exclusive performance just for us.

Who is performing today?
The Lunar Year.
They are an indie-rock band from Philadelphia, USA.

In the band are:
Katie Burke (vocals, piano)
Steve Heine (guitar, vocals)
Zach McCaw (bass)
Kevin Walker (drums)

The origins of the band's sound can be traced back to singer&songwriter Katie's childhood, which was shaped by multiple acts and genres.
With a love for The Beatles, Billy Joel and The Beach Boys, but also a huge interest in the Classical and Romantic era, the band's style is very open minded.

You'll find honest and personal lyrics, as well as relatable stories in The Lunar Year's repertoire.

Their most recent single "Porcelain" hit over 100,000 streams on Spotify.

What needs to be said about this performance?
It's one of the most stunning songs I've heard in a while.
I am in absolute awe with Katie's voice and get goosebumps every single time I listen to this. 100% sure you are going to enjoy this one as much as I do.

I hope you're ready for Katie's performance of the band's balled "Porcelain".





Where can we find The Lunar Year online?
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

Who deserves a thank you?
The wonderful Katie deserves a huge thank you for getting in touch and recording this fantastic video. So excited to see what the band is up to next.

What can we do now?
If you enjoyed this video and post, please help us reach more people.
Share it online along with the hashtag #HITSBC17.
We would love to hear what you think, so please feel free to comment.


I wonder how many new favourite acts you have already stumbled upon within the past 15 days.
Feel free to let us know, we can't wait to hear from you!




Day 14:                                                                                               Day 16:
                                                                     

Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: The Lunar Year | Video: The Lunar Year for house in the sand

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