LunaRover: Chimera
LunaRover's "Chimera" masterfully merges nostalgic synth tones with modern textures
by Jack Rush
Maryland-based LunaRover is the brainchild of Ben Pelletier and Kevin Rieth, who seamlessly blend their talents in the synthesizer-driven alt-pop realm. Their debut single "Chimera," released on December 29th, 2024, showcases Kevin's versatile skills on vocals, synth, samples, and guitar, complemented by Ben's expertise in synthesizers and samples. The addition of drummer Tench Tillman and saxophonist Artem Zhulyev adds depth and richness to LunaRover's sound, setting them apart as a promising new force in the music scene.
Influenced by iconic 80s bands like Duran Duran and Tears for Fears, LunaRover's "Chimera" masterfully merges nostalgic synth tones with modern textures akin to St. Vincent and Alabama Shakes. The track's poignant lyrics dive into the complexities of failed relationships, prompting introspection on the nature of love and self-discovery. Recorded entirely at home, LunaRover's DIY approach allowed for sonic experimentation, resulting in a captivating sonic journey that transcends boundaries and captivates listeners with its unique blend of sounds.
Q & A
Tell us about the key contributors to this project.
Ben Pelletier and Kevin Rieth began collaborating for fun about a decade ago and recently started a new project called LunaRover, moving them into a synthesizer-driven alt pop direction. Kevin and Ben work together as co-producers, with Ben providing an initial idea. The musicians then bounce ideas back and forth until completion. On their first release, "Chimera," Kevin provided vocals, synth, samples, and guitar, while Ben added synthesizers and samples. Longtime friend and career musician Tench Tillman played drums on the track. Freelance musician Artem Zhulyev played the saxophone part that brings the track to a close. Who influenced this release? Artists from the 80s such as Duran Duran and Tears for Fears influenced the synthesizers on the track, providing a nostalgic, yet spacey vibe. This is combined with modern textures influenced by artists such as St. Vincent and Alabama Shakes.
What's the story behind this release?
The lyrics of "Chimera" reflect a past failed relationship, highlighting its fleeting nature with lyrics such as "we were riding a breeze." The subject comes to terms with the fact that he or she may be in love with the idea of their partner rather than their partner as a person. Ultimately, the subject comes to the realization that "I can't be your answer."
Where did the recording take place?
As with all of Kevin and Ben's projects, the recording for this project was done entirely at home. Ben and Kevin prefer to experiment in the studio and iterate on ideas, so recording at home in a DIY space makes this process more economically feasible.
What was unique about the recording process?
Because this project was recorded in a DIY environment, Kevin and Ben were able to experiment with different sounds to truly transport the listener to outer space. This involved the introduction of noisy Moog synthesizers, 80s-inspired drum fills conceived by Tench Tillman, and even a backwards saxophone solo in the bridge.
Is there anything additional that would be valuable for music lovers to know?
Credits: Ben Pelletier: composition, production, synthesizers, sampling Kevin Rieth: composition, production, vocals, synthesizers, guitar, percussion, sampling Tench Tillman: drums, percussion Artem Zhulyev: saxophone
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