Cincinnati-based indie band Walk the Moon couldn’t be more excited about the release of their self-titled debut studio album.  Nicholas Petricca, Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman and Eli Maiman independently released their first album, “i want! i want!” in November 2010, so you may have heard their music before.  However, their February 2011 signing with Mick Management brought them the opportunity to record with producer/songwriter/mixer Ben Allen and release “Walk the Moon” under RCA Records label.

As for the album itself, I loved it. Give me solid lyrics and a fun yet unexpected instrumental backdrop, and I’m hooked. The first track, “Quesadilla” comes on strong with heavy percussion and light, thoughtful lyrics, then starts to pick up the rhythm and synth. The rest of the album follows suit, never losing energy or lyrical meaning.

Men’s magazine “Esquire” featured the single “Anna Sun” on their list of “11 Songs a Man Should be Listening to This Week.”  “Anna Sun” combines fast-paced and slightly melancholy lyrics with upbeat instrumentals in what seems a perfect formula for a hit single.  I like the humor and fast beat behind the track “Tightrope,” but not a single track seems out of place on this fantastic debut studio record.

Learn more about the band, and where you can pick up their album at walkthemoonband.com.