Out The Dark by Lunar Sounds
Leeds-based riot grrrl band Lunar Sounds released their debut album Out The Dark in January 2025. (For those unfamiliar with the genre of riot grrrl, it’s a subgenre of punk often associated with third- and fourth-wave feminism, and has an emphasis on amplifying women’s voices in the scene.) The album features previously released singles with several new tracks that explore themes of self-worth and societal expectations. If you’re into the Pacific Northwest grunge sound or bands like Sleater-Kinney, this one’s probably already calling your name. Out The Dark by Lunar Sounds is a compelling new voice in the modern punk landscape.
Lunar Sounds draws clear influence from Sleater-Kinney’s Dig Me Out, particularly in their rhythms, guitar tones, and fiery energy. Throughout the album, the band uses satisfying layered guitars and vocal textures to build up their sound. The rhythm section also deserves recognition—tight bass lines and dynamic drumming provide a solid backbone that supports the album’s mood and momentum. Several tracks offer nods to other genres that add variety without derailing the album’s stylistic cohesion. For example, “Craving Dale” feels a tad country thanks to the use of a cowbell in the beat and the chorus melody, while the acoustic flourishes in “Consumed” add a bit of roots. Overall, the album flows smoothly from track to track, and Lunar Sounds shows they’ve got strong musical instincts.
That said, there are a few areas where the album falls a bit flat. Lyrically, many tracks incorporate buzzwords but lack clear narratives or poignant socio-political commentary. Some lyrics feel too vague to form a hard-hitting or engaging story, while others seem to sidestep direct social critiques that the genre is known and celebrated for. I kept wishing for either more vivid storytelling or some fearless directness—something for the messages to get in your face. More evocative storytelling or bolder messaging could deepen the emotional and political resonance in future releases. From a compositional standpoint, several songs end in fairly standard ways (like a fadeout) that feel like safe choices. These predictable endings undercut individuality of otherwise promising tracks and feel like a missed opportunity.
Production is another area where refinement could elevate the band’s sound. The mix tends to favor the guitar, which can overpower the vocals and make it difficult to emotionally latch onto the lyrics. A more balanced mix with a prominent vocal presence and unified guitar tone could help establish the band’s sound identity. The talent is there: the rhythms are tight, the textures are interesting. With more focused arrangement choices and a cleaner production approach, Lunar Sounds could amp up their appeal.
Ultimately, Out The Dark shows that Lunar Sounds has a strong foundation and a clear sense of energy, mood, and intention. Their freshman album brings bold textures, spirited performances, and a few standout moments of creativity that hint at their potential. While there are areas that would benefit from further polish, the core of what makes this band exciting is already in place. With time and continued growth, Lunar Sounds could carve out a compelling voice in the riot grrl and alt-punk scene. This album makes a solid impression, and I’m genuinely excited to see where they take things next.