Random Dad Barbecue Music is the debut EP from MOON MATES, a German outfit who really know how to title their projects wonderfully. Having created the band and prepared to go do band things, the pandemic struck. What a dick. Fortunately, they were able to tweak plans slightly and work around the whole deadly disease thing. Releasing a string of singles that gained quite a bit of buzz, eventually leading to this new EP, and what a good EP it is too.
With a range of influences within the genres of Folk to Rock, Random Dad Barbecue Music is a collection of songs that can surprise and intrigue you throughout. The opening chords of ‘Don’t Wait’ introduce the almost-playful sound of MOON MATES, revealing a deepness within the lyrics that bring some weight to the seemingly-weightless instrumentals. A constant double-take to how one might come across is referenced throughout, while the rest of the song does its thing without a care in the world. It is bouncy, insightful and a solid way to get things started.
‘Swim With Me’ follows with a swooping set of synths that fit the lyrics superbly. It contains a chorus that’s simple but so easy to fall into. As if its sound washes over you. It’s great. ‘Easy Fix’ is arguably the catchiest track on the EP. Bright little diddies of melody float past the atmosphere as wandering harmonies drive the song right into the mind. It sounds so uplifting despite its theme of wanting it all and the contradictions that come with that.
MOON MATES have got themselves a winner here. Random Dad Barbecue Music is a superb EP that keeps your attention while catching you off guard throughout. Its sound is one that’s so easy to get into, and results in songs like ‘Ghost Lights’ becoming sure fire favourites. It’s one of those records you could play on loop endlessly. It’s so good.