motel void

After years of touring, late-night writing sessions, and musical exploration, Philadelphia’s Moonroof released their long-awaited, self-titled debut album Moonroof on July 11 via Free Dive Collective.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Philly music scene – over the years I’ve discovered countless hidden gems from there, especially when it comes to guitar-driven music, which seems to have an exceptionally strong roster in the city.

Moonroof may be dropping their debut full-length album now, but with over 100 live shows under their belt, they’re no newcomers. Sound-wise, this record feels like a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s, to that golden era of carefree summer vibes and coming-of-age teen movies. The opening track Again sets the tone perfectly – a polished slice of that era’s spirit, somewhere between a soundtrack to an American teen comedy and the early days of Jimmy Eat World (or maybe even Foo Fighters).

The follow-up Can’t Say No shifts into a slightly more danceable rhythm, bringing to mind the sounds of bands like The Killers. Yet even here, Moonroof manage to craft a vivid, love-soaked atmosphere – especially in the bridge, which echoes shades of Blink-182. Forget Someone cranks up the energy and rawness – this one hits closer to home for me personally, and I imagine it goes down incredibly well live.

Highlights of the album include the catchy Over It, driven by a more distorted guitar and a dancey yet melancholic chorus that reminds me of artists like Jenn Champion or the Canadian duo Tegan and Sara. Bad For Me has real hit potential – it starts out mellow and restrained but builds up into a powerful climax. My personal favorite might be Talk To You, a pop-punk gem packed with emotion and energy, featuring bright, slightly accelerating drums and vocals that once again bring Blink-182 to mind.

Ghost Town taps into another danceable groove, but it’s the album closer Buzz that truly hit me – that fantastic riff and sun-drenched intro just scream summer. It’s the kind of song that makes you long for a festival field and warm nights. A shame I’m currently listening to it in a rainy library, but hey – summer’s not gone for good. The good weather will be back soon, and this album will be the perfect soundtrack for it.

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