Sandmoon Home

Beirut is currently witnessing a charming bubble of artists and bands, all of which are seemingly gaining momentum and attention both locally and internationally.  I think it's also interesting that the music being produced is going into different directions and genres. Even though that might strike you as a natural phenomenon, it is still very pleasing to find that new music keeps on coming out, with bands becoming more defined and more distinct in their sounds.

You might be familiar with the name Sandmoon since the band has already released their first album rAw back in 2010. In case you're not, this is a very good time for you to get to know them. Sandmoon is on the verge of launching their second album, Home, with a release date set for November 30.

The band, led by singer and pianist Sandra Arslanian, has been gigging in and around Beirut for the past two years promoting rAw. They took to the studio to work on their second album after almost a year of song writing. Sandmoon also witnessed a reshuffling of its members (excluding Sandra Arslanian), with the new line-up carrying in a fresh touch.

They released "Home" as the first single off the album two weeks ago, following the track with a music video that generated a good deal of positive reviews and attention. The track is beautiful and melodic; I absolutely loved the blend of instruments throughout the song and the melancholic character behind them. "Home" bodes well from the start, with a plucked cello paving the way for Sandra's tender vocals as she belts out spiraling vocal melodies.

The track eventually evolves into a melancholic soundscape that smolders continuously and builds into a powerful chorus, slipping into a myriad of dreamy chimes, gentle cello arrangements and fluid drumming. The hi-hats and cymbals accentuate the flowing motion of the track and bring a climatic touch to each chorus.

Sandmoon has a particularly distinct sound, as they blend well-crafted indie pop melodies over a sad-core foundation through eerie lyrics, enchanting vocals, and a hazy mélange of instruments meticulously arranged. With "Home" out as a first single and the album launch closing in, I've got to admit that I am looking forward to checking out their performances; I'm curious to see how their prowess in delicateness will be translated and preserved in front of a live audience.

Sandmoon are also on Facebook, so you can head there if you'd like to stay in touch with all their updates. I'd keep an eye on that album launch if I were you!

And since I've already mentioned the music video for "Home," you might as well experience the full Sandmoon treat! It's an interesting take on the song -- not your usual music video, but rather treated as a short film, you'll know what I mean when you see it!