Premiere: Strawberry Moon Enter Richmond’s Music Vanguard With New Record, Smoon
Band evolutions are always compelling, but few have been as captivating as the ascent of Strawberry Moon in recent years. What began in 2017 as a collection of solo bedroom recordings by singer Katie Bowles on a battered laptop steadily transformed into a full-fledged band that quickly took the city by storm. By 2020, the lineup had solidified with Bowles on vocals, TJ Meade on drums, Liam McElroy on guitar, and Gray Stephenson on bass, setting the stage for their debut album, Habitual Creatures, released in 2022. That album sharpened their visceral sound into something both urgent and melodic, announcing Strawberry Moon as a rising force in the city.
The band’s growth accelerated in 2023 with the addition of Christian Noonan on drums and Meade shifting to guitar, forming a quintet that pushed their sound into heavier, more expansive terrain. That same year, they released My Offering, a four-track EP packed with standouts like “Down In The Dirt” and “It’s Not About Me,” signaling a new chapter in the band’s creative journey. The momentum carried into 2024 with two sharp singles–“Polly Pocket World” and “I’m So Wet”–that highlighted their mordant dynamism better than ever before.
Now, Strawberry Moon is poised to kick off 2025 with Smoon, a five-track EP that crystallizes their rise to the forefront of Richmond’s music scene. Named after the band’s playful rallying call–“Swoon for Smoon”–the record features bold cover art by Daniel D. Thompson, hinting at the gravitas they’ve earned through years of relentless creativity, magnetic live shows, and steadfast dedication to their craft. Set for release on Friday, February 28th via Sockhead Records, The Auricular is honored to premiere this record today, with an exclusive stream below as well as a track-by-track breakdown of the band’s continued excellence.
The EP kicks off with “Speak My Mind,” a raw punk track that throws the band’s frenetic energy into full focus. Bowles’ assertive vocals lead the charge, guiding the band’s musical antics through sharp stop-start rhythms with unwavering confidence that matches the assertive mindset the song so defiantly clings to. The track exudes reckless abandon on the surface, but beneath the chaos lies the band’s seamless precision with each element locking into place. Whether you’re a first-time listener or returning after some time away, it’s the perfect gateway into the raucous adventure that Strawberry Moon consistently delivers.
The journey barrels forward with “Rearview,” matching the opener’s confidence and intensity while striking a slightly different lyrical chord. Where “Speak My Mind” channels self-assurance, “Rearview” basks in the euphoria of shedding interpersonal dead weight, the kind of liberation that leaves you grinning as it sinks into the distance. Playful laughter on the bridge drives the victory home, but the band resists the urge to wallow in spite. Instead, they charge ahead with the same electric energy that makes their songs so magnetic. Echoing the dragon-hearted defiance of “Down In The Dirt,” the track perfectly distills Strawberry Moon’s essence, with this one-two punch rivaling the knockout opening stretch of their beloved album Habitual Creatures.
From there comes “I’m So Wet,” the second single from Strawberry Moon’s 2024 output. Continuing the relentless momentum of Smoon‘s breakneck opening, the track leans into jagged stop-start rhythms and a whirlwind melody, with a razor-sharp guitar hook that feels tailor-made for skatepunk devotees. But more than just a nod to genre staples, the whole song is pure punk rock bliss from the snarling tone and airtight rhythm section to Bowles’ powerhouse vocals, which surpass even underground icons like Mish Barber-Way. It’s one of the most potent tracks in the band’s catalog, a testament to their ferocity and finesse. No surprise it was handpicked to kick off Sockhead Records’ stellar 30-track 2024 compilation, SHRF Vol. 2.
“Easy Target” finally gives the relentless ride of Smoon a chance to exhale, opening with a ticking rhythm and gentle strumming guitar. Bowles’ vocals ease in with a measured restraint–a stark contrast to the manic fervor of “I’m So Wet”–yet still brimming with the band’s melodic potency. Even as the track swells into a distortion-soaked guitar solo, it remains firmly rooted in the band’s more subdued territory–a facet less explored in recent releases but no less essential to their identity.
There’s a slow-burn intensity coursing beneath the surface, with Bowles navigating vulnerability without sacrificing her edge. The band’s signature tension and release are as palpable as ever, helping to highlight Strawberry Moon’s introspective side and proving their dynamic power doesn’t hinge on breakneck tempos or blistering volume. Instead, it’s the emotional undercurrent–that fine balance between defiance and tenderness–that defines their sound. It’s a thread woven through all their music, but on “Easy Target,” that duality feels especially vivid, illuminating the band’s versatility and depth.
“Polly Pocket World” comes in at the close, one of the band’s stand-out tracks that doubles down on the thematic tongue-in-cheek power of “Down In The Dirt,” examining blissful escapism with a veiled tirade against capitalistic exploitation. Built on a biting riff and a rhythm section that pulses with tightly wound intensity, the track melds playful melodies with biting commentary, a contrast that Strawberry Moon has increasingly made their calling card over the years. Bowles delivers each line with a knowing sneer, balancing irony and frustration as she wades through the murky waters of consumer culture and idealized naïveté. There’s a joy buried in the critique, the kind that comes from seeing through the facade while still surrendering–if only briefly–to the comfort it offers.
While the song’s playful aesthetic softens its cynicism, “Polly Pocket World” never dulls its bite. Guitars slash and churn beneath Bowles’ sardonic delivery, punctuating each line with jagged bursts of distortion. It’s a fitting finale for Smoon, distilling the EP’s themes into a taut musical package—easily digestible, just like the toy line that inspired it. With its straightforward hook, crackling energy, layered lyricism, and rousing vocals, the track solidifies Strawberry Moon’s knack for weaving sharp societal insight into infectious punk anthems. More than just a standout song, it highlights the band’s crafty approach to a stalwart genre—an inventive streak that’s helped propel them to the forefront of Richmond’s ever-evolving music scene.
On that note, an intriguing exercise is to listen to Smoon and then rewind to Strawberry Moon’s 2017 self-titled release–still streaming on Bandcamp–crafted solely by Bowles. The seeds of the band’s evolution are planted there: a crafty lyrical approach, a rich melodic instinct, and a penchant for heavier ambiance. Those early traits fully blossomed on Habitual Creatures, then readjusted and flourished across My Offering before charging forward with Smoon. Each release builds on the last without ever settling into a fixed mold, laying the foundation for the polished yet unpredictable punk prowess Strawberry Moon commands today. Hearing those records together makes the band’s growth feel not only intentional but essential–evidence of a band that thrives in perpetual motion.
After a few spins through Smoon, you might feel tempted to guess where the band’s trajectory is headed next. But if their path so far has taught us anything, it’s that Strawberry Moon resists easy predictions. The beauty lies in their willingness to surprise–tweaking their sound with each release while remaining rooted in the melodic grit that made them compelling from the start. Rather than trying to map out what’s next, the best approach is to buckle up and enjoy the ride, one that promises to be as thrilling as ever.
Smoon is out everywhere on Friday, February 28th, which you can pre-save by clicking here. The next day, the band will play Gallery5 alongside Shagwüf, Wrong Worshippers, and Slot, with the details on the flyer below. To keep up-to-date with Strawberry Moon, make sure to follow them on social media.
