Review: Walk the Moon - Talking is Hard
By Juliana Scheiderer, Contributor
[RCA Records; 2014]
Rating: 8/10
Key Tracks: “Shut Up and Dance,” “Portugal,” “Aquaman”
Cincinnati native Walk the Moon makes Ohio proud on its latest release Talking Is Hard. The ‘80s-infused indie pop record is an easy listen and a true delight. Comprised of scores of radio-ready singles and tempered with introspective ballads, Walk the Moon is clearly hitting its stride on its third album.
Talking Is Hard opens with “Different Colors” followed by “Sidekick,” a devilishly fun track that celebrates the dangerous thrill of falling for your best friend. The album’s lead single, “Shut Up and Dance,” keeps the mood playful, yet somehow makes a song about falling in love on the dance floor feel grown up.
It is this kind of youthful maturity that demonstrates Walk the Moon’s strengths. Talking Is Hard hits that elusive sweet spot between your parent’s old pop records and your little sister’s iPod. The band expertly crafts millennial anthems, chock full of catchy hooks and socially conscious lyrics--everything a 20-something could want.
Talking is Hard bops on with more upbeat, synth-laden lovin’ until Walk the Moon slows things down with “Portugal.” The heady jam pays tribute to the band’s indie roots, and millennial listeners will relate to sentiments like, “Growing up is a heavy leaf to turn” immediately.
Walk the Moon has a clear handle on how to make a hit record, implementing just enough variety on each track to keep things from getting boring. For example, “Work this Body” injects a breath of fresh air into the album with a driving tempo, group vocals and a French bridge (naturally). “Spend Your $$$” is wonderful and weird with references to “fake breasts and miniature terriers,” and the band’s social consciousness gets a reprise in “We Are The Kids.”
The album’s ballads swoop in just in time for the album to end. “Come Under the Covers” and “Aquaman” let listeners down nice and easy and cleanse the rest of the album’s palate of the danceable indie pop. The change of pace may be more effective if it comes in the middle of the overwhelming number of upbeat tracks. But it works here, too--like putting on a slow song right before prom ends. The ballads come as a surprise as well, making listeners really tune in and assuring them that the band hasn’t traded in its soul for synths.
Talking Is Hard proves that Walk the Moon is coming into its own. Loaded with lots of synth and lots of heart, Walk the Moon shows that it’s a little bit indie, a little bit pop and a little bit rock n’ roll--and Millennial listeners will eat it up. In other words, make this band a festival headliner ASAP. It’s ready.
