“The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed“ by Jackie Moontan

“The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed” is an indie pop album by Jackie Moontan that weaves eclectic instrumentation and influences from different genres across its arrangements. This ten track album is riveting and unique, offering transportive sonic landscapes and compelling, one of a kind narratives. Jackie Moontan is an artistic project with extensive lore, including that he came from the moon and crash landed his spaceship in Mississippi, leading him to make a life here on Earth. 

The album opens with “All You Can Eat Buffet,” led by soulful piano and a steady, bouncing rhythm. Meandering melodies pull from a blues style as Moontan laments the loss of a lover. A spoken section adds attitude and intrigue, talking about how “Jackie’s bored” of his life and modern society. The instrumentation builds underneath his words with sweeping brass and dancing drums, leading to a lively instrumental section that is impossible to look away from.

Another standout track from the album is the closer, “Life Goes On.” Built by tapping pianos and an intimate vocal, this song is both mournful and hopeful. After the first bit of the song, a drum fill ripples across the arrangement and then locks into the song as slide guitar wails subtly in the background. Moontan’s aptitude for crafting dynamic sonic journeys is clear in each of the tracks on “The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed,” but especially in this one. From the sparse intro to the layered sections in the latter half, “Life Goes On” is the perfect way to close this body of work.

FOLLOW JACKIE MOONTAN:

Official Website

Spotify

Instagram

This has been added to our Lit Vibes Spotify Playlist. Discover all the incredible artists featured and give the playlist a follow to stay tuned for more great music!