WALK THE MOON

WALK THE MOON’s vibrant alt-pop is anything but subtle: just see their 2014 breakout hit “Shut Up and Dance”, a triumphant, synth-laced anthem that proves love and destiny are best found on the dance floor. While the Ohio band power up their melodies with a hefty dose of EDM’s fast, fidgety energy, they’re just as influenced by some of the ‘80s’ heaviest hitters—down to their name. When forming the band in 2006, frontman Nicholas Petricca settled on WALK THE MOON in reverence to The Police hit “Walking on the Moon”. He soon brought in guitarist Nick Lerangis, bassist Adam Reifsnyder and drummer Adrian Galvin, and the band self-released their 2010 debut album, I Want! I Want!. Lead single “Anna Sun”, a sizzling synth-pop ode to youth, wiggled its way into rock and alternative circles, especially after re-recording it for WALK THE MOON’s 2012 self-titled major-label debut—this time with Petricca’s spirited, staccato howls backed by a whole different lineup. Follow-up TALKING IS HARD offered an even wider view of their pop potential, with the aforementioned “Shut Up and Dance” and the stomping worldbeat celebration “Work This Body”. Such intoxicating hooks are now expected—and delivered, with feel-good moments like “One Foot”—as the band bring more heart-pumping, New Wave-inspired grooves onto the dance floor and into the future.