Halloween season might be over, but Los Angeles-based Luna Shadows keeps that ominous flame burning on her newest single, “witches’ brew.” After introducing herself with back-to-back singles in 2016, she went on to release two EPs, garnering more and more anticipation for a debut album that would eventually arrive in 2021. Ranging from anthemically inclined to hauntingly atmospheric alt-pop, her music has earned comparisons to everyone from Lana Del Rey and Lorde to BANKS.
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From her California bedroom, Luna Shadows writes and produces all the music she creates, affording her songs a spellbinding intimacy consistent across everything she’s penned thus far. Those first two singles — the synth-shuddering “Cry Wolf” and “Cherry” — fashioned her as a conduit of ecstatic electronica.
The arrival of her debut EP, Youth a year later only further confirmed her penchant for summoning effervescent and intoxicating melodies as a means of articulating both the nostalgic uncertainty and brash bravado of growing up. Its title track and “Cheerleader” are two of the quintessential songs that lie within.
But the unveiling of her debut LP Digital Pacific saw her undertake an ambitious synthesis of California reminisces. Across the colossal 18-song record, she conjures a tenebrous vision of The Golden State — one that reckons with dire urgency with the mirage-like myths that have settled themselves over the picturesque landscape.
Her newest single, “witches’ brew” serves as a grim first preview of her forthcoming sophomore LP. Gone is the oscillating synth production that resonated from previous releases, replaced by the far more eerie intonation of strings and warped guitars. Reflecting on themes of love, loss, grief, realization, recovery, and remembering — the song and album are symbolic of the isolation she endured while ensconced at home during the pandemic.
Those alterations place an ever-entrancing lyricism at the forefront. Its opening verses paint a foreboding portrait of her fate had she been born in a different day and age. “Back in the day, / They would’ve made an incision, / Cut out my brain, / Wouldn’t have been my decision,” she coos darkly before musing: “Would’ve been one of those women / Burnt at the stake, / Not a chance for forgiveness.”
“witches’ brew” is paired with a music video, which Luna Shadows also directed, one that finds her performing with ghostly iridescence her lament in a graveyard. Shrouded in gloaming white and strumming an ethereal guitar, she prepares her cauldron and casts her spells, eventually rising into the glittering night sky to ride her broom amongst the stars. And in true California fashion — she prefers to soar on two feet — like a witchy skater shredding through the moonlight.
Visit Luna Shadows on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Watch the music video for “witches’ brew” the new single from Luna Shadows.
