Moonblast

Water is the guiding theme of the Splashdown EP, the latest output from Santa Barbara shoegaze band Moonblast. Lead track “Breathe Underwater” is engulfed in deep bass lines, drizzles of fuzz, and a gritty vibe — all of which get layered with wavy vocal filters. The sound reaches further depths thanks to the soaring psych-rock solo on “Jaded” and the mixture of grunge and head-banging heaviness on “Heliarch.” The band fulfills its sonic venture with country-inspired twangy strumming and a mix of sitars and guitar, grounding them in a far-off place that feels like both an underwater adventure and a trip to the moon. You can download the Splashdown EP at moonblast.bandcamp.com.