Philadelphia’s own Moonroof continues their impressive trajectory with the release of “Massachusetts,” a high-octane single that bridge the gap between early 2000s alternative rock and modern pop-punk. While the band is often celebrated for their indie-pop sensibilities,this track, recorded at Little Brother Audio, introduces a welcome grit to their discography.
What makes “Massachusetts” particularly compelling is its origin story. Inspired by the band’s discovery of the state’s flavored tobacco ban while on tour, the lyrics function as a clever double entendre. On the surface,it carries the emotional weight of a relationship song, but the subtext provides a unique narrative rarely explored in the genre. Dave Kim’s vocal performance is stellar, especially when layered against the ethereal, angelic vocal samples that provide a haunting contrast to the heavy, driving instrumentation.
The production by Tyler Ripley Lewis is crisp, allowing Johnny Fordyce’s distorted guitar work and the tight rhythm section of Kevin Randolph and Dan Rendine to shine. It is a sonically dense track that feels both nostalgic and fresh. As Moonroof prepares for their upcoming tour and hometown show at Underground Arts, “Massachusetts” stands as a bold,sophisticated evolution of their sound that demands a spot on your loudest playlist.
