Catherine Moan continues to blend the past, present, and future in her latest single, “Jawbreaker”. Produced by close collaborator and fellow Born Losers Records signee Trey Frye – best known as one half of Korine, a local duo with a similarly enticing new wave flair – “Jawbreaker” explores sonic motifs to which Moan has become very well accustomed, mixing bubblegum pop concepts with a tinge of vaporwave-induced gloom. As her Spotify biography suggests, “it’s synth pop that smells good, and tastes even better.”
The nostalgic element of this track is immediately evident, using a drum machine, an incredibly catchy synth bassline, filtered vocals, and arpeggiator flourishes to take the listener on a brief yet all-inclusive trip through time. And if that’s not irresistible enough for you, the chorus is sure to get stuck in your head enough to convince you to listen again and again (and maybe even again). Moan’s influences and intentions have been clear since her first few releases, including a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Fools”, throughout which she set the tone for what her own work would pan out to be. Additionally, with Frye’s expertise, it’s no wonder that Moan is so easily able to convey modern ideas through vintage sounds with futuristic techniques.
You’ll be able to hear “Jawbreaker” live at Johnny Brenda’s on September 24th when Catherine Moan takes to the stage alongside Italo-disco-inspired pop three-piece Nuovo Testamento, with support from DJ Baby Berlin — details at WXPN’s Concerts and Events page. Until then, you can get your fix at the link below.