DS Record Review: Moonraker – “Me And The Bells”

There is something special about an album like this being released in the fall. There’s a chill in the air and many of us start to spend more time at home after a busy summer, looking inwards and really feeling our feelings (for better or for worse). Well, enter Me and the Bells from Moonraker, there to remind us about what it’s like to live in this world. For fans of the Lawrence Arms, this one is for you. A west coast, so-cal dipped version of the melodic punk that I know and love. If you enjoy the call and response vocal style, you will definitely want to check this out. 

The opening track “Wires” starts with more isolated vocals and overall really sets the tone for the record. Melodic, but quickly leading into the high energy punk that’s throughout the majority of the songs. “The Audacity” really stands out for me with the high energy sound and group vocals; honestly, it makes me wish I was at their show seeing it live. But it’s not without a slower acoustic number to break up the fast paced punk songs, which I always more than appreciated. “The Old Art School Try” slows things down and grows more beautiful as the song goes on with some piano strings making an appearance.

The lyrical songwriting really shines on this album and doesn’t go unnoticed. There are many instances of eloquent lines throughout along with brutal honesty about what it’s like to be human. In “Don’t Forget You’re Here Forever” they sing “cause real life looks more like crying in your kitchen just dying for someone to listen”, which really hits home with what the reality can be for so many of us. The single “Umbrage” is hard hitting and again filled with very clever wordplay – honourable mention for the pun from the first verse, “take your demons for a walk outside, lord knows they need the exorcise”. 

You can pre-save the album and stream it here. Or better yet, why not order your physical copy through Punkerton Records?! In the meantime, check out the lyric video for the single “Umbrage” below.