Luna Shadows - Summertime [EP Review]

Chances are when we say ‘Luna Shadows’, the images that are conjured resemble more “moonlight evenings” than “pop singer”, but nevertheless, this multi-instrumentalist is proving difficult to forget.
The Los Angeles-based artist has risen to low-key prominence amongst online communities for her ethereal, care-free and artistically inspired music that she herself has labelled as “Echo Park Pop”, named after the idyllic location in Central L.A.

A forward-thinking woman, Shadows can usually be found writing, performing, recording, producing, engineering - and generally creating her intrinsically designed music, but has recently recruited indie producers Brad and Thom (The Naked and Famous) to assist her in this momentous ride. Indeed, Shadows’ personal style is representative of her lyrical content and musical vibe - it’s a bit pop-goth-chic, with an emphasis on chunky platform footwear not dissimilar to Charli XCX. But of course, this is offset by an adherence to pastel palettes for the body of her outfits. These ensembles that Shadows wears are very indicative of her musical content, which is often tinged with melancholy statements and expressions, wrapped up in a saddening romantic bow. Truly, these few first examples of Shadows’ music suggest that she has the hallmarks of a star, but can she make the dream a reality?

Well, if Summertime is anything to go by, then we should think so. The end product, “made in garages and bedrooms under the palm trees of Echo Park” is a captivating EP that utilises Shadows' enticing voice to its advantage. Starting off the album is the illustrious ‘Hallelujah California’ which really makes a mark. With breezy vocals reminiscent of Lana Del Rey, and an emphasis on electro funk like Halsey, there is something particularly ear-catching about Shadows’ delivery and emphasis on the picturesque. Cascading beats open up to a more mature second verse with enigmatic depth. The song effortlessly draws you in with its atmospheric acoustics and siren-like vocals that gives you a real feel for the singer's world.

Following on from this is 'Cry Wolf', an anthem in its own right, that favours the mid-tempo, with breathy, electronic vocals from Shadows reminiscent of CHVRCHES. ‘Cherry’ is up next, and follows a similar structure, but is far more vibrant and serene, with a powerful chorus - "'Cause darling if you call me/ I'll come running (Try and stop me)" - that shows how diverse Shadows can be. Recent release, 'Waves' shows no sign of dampening the album's success, benefitting from gorgeous piano chords and echoing vocals that are truly euphoric, and capture the beauty of 'Summertime' aesthetically, but are underpinned with heartache and emotion; focusing on the darker sides of summertime romance.

Overall, this is highly promising material from the up-and-coming artist, and we think she's one to watch on the music scene. Ultimately, Summertime is a fresh wave of new flavour, tinged with a solemn sadness that Shadows echoes so well in her vocals, that benefits from beautiful instrumentals and feels very raw and emotive at its core, despite the seemingly glossy acoustics.