Cincinnati-based indie rockers Walk the Moon have recently released their first studio album and, since signing with a big label, the success they’ve seen as an independent band has been on the rise. The popularity of Walk the Moon’s “Anna Sun” single and video caught the attention of many in the industry, prompting Alt. Nation to include the group on their list of Need to Know Bands of 2012.

While Ohio natives Nicholas Petricca, Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman and Eli Maiman had earned a loyal fan base with their independently released album, “i want, i want!,” RCA Record Labels has allowed them to reach a wider audience, including appearances on David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Carson Daly.

In keeping with popular rock bands of our generation, Walk the Moon seems to enjoy celebrating nostalgia while getting in touch with one’s inner child. And fans love them for it. The guys have been known to paint their faces before live performances – an amiable war paint reminiscent of Peter Pan. A typical Walk the Moon music video features bold colors, carefree dance choreography and extras who look like kids you used to ride bikes with growing up. Perhaps their ever-growing popularity is the result of their exuberance and contagious love of jumping wildly to catchy music.

I reviewed their self-titled “Walk the Moon” after its release this past June and was impressed by the level of energy pulsing throughout each track. It’s this same infectious joie de vivre that has made Walk the Moon such a popular booking for music festivals from Bonnaroo to Lollapalooza and Louisville’s Forecastle Festival.

If you haven’t given Walk the Moon a listen yet, I suggest you do so before seeing them live at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre on August 14, where they’ll be playing as guests of Neon Trees along with Twenty One Pilots.

To learn more about Walk the Moon and to sample some songs, check out walkthemoonband.com