Photo courtesy artist

Representing life in its most honest and true form, Australian five-piece band MOONWOOD unveils the candid and relatable Everything We Once Knew. Like tearing pages out of their diary, the new six track EP is beautifully authentic, as we are told tales of lead singer Jake’s journey through life. From moving from the States to Australia and adjusting to life on a different continent, to coping with grief and being away from all your loved ones, the contemplative release is certainly an emotion-fueled experience, as we witness the songwriter adapting to a new way of life. 

With both positive and negative themes, MOONWOOD displays their stunning, polished musicianship. “Sydney Lights" is about rediscovering your love for somewhere and learning to appreciate what we have in front of us. Jake explains, “As a result of the pandemic, a lot of us have been sitting still, not being able to travel or leave the state. We have had no choice but to stay in our homes to think and reflect. It was in that place that this song was born. I remember growing a deeper appreciation of Sydney. Not being able to travel allowed me to fall in love with this city all over again.”

Then there are tracks such as “Notice me” which sets a more melancholy tone, recalling the sorrowful feeling of being completely misunderstood by those around you. Despite the emotion of the themes, MOONWOOD somehow manages to coat their songs with a beautifully introspective sound, making you forget all of life's worries. Whisking you away to the warm Australian sun, twinkling synths, resonating guitars and soothing vocals encompass us.

Poignantly, the EP concludes with “Us Against the World” putting a positive spin on the entire release. This joyous song highlights how it doesn’t matter what life throws at you, as long as you surround yourself with people you love and people who care about you. Jake confides, “This sentiment has been particularly relevant given the past couple of years have been extremely difficult, but the one thing that has grounded me, is staying close to the people I cherish. Being surrounded by the ones that you love is what really matters.”