Words By: Bre Offenberger

Cold Moon — a splattering of musical virtuosos completely out of their element — have released a video for “Simpleton,” the first single off their forthcoming debut album, What’s The Rush. Bassist Will Levy of pop-punk extraordinaire The Story So Far and drummer Mike Ambrose, formerly of hardcore bigwig Set Your Goals, have teamed up to create a laid-back track that may not sound familiar to these guys, but it sounds just as good.

Folksy guitars linger over a lush guitar lick from Kevin Ambrose that feels like drawing the curtains to find it’s sunny on what was a gloomy day. Jack Sullivan enters with his gentle vocals that still carry a get-to-the-point demeanor, telling his friend to stop being so gullible in a world that loves to take advantage of that. The entire track is only three short verses, but it rightfully makes room for the gorgeous instrumentation. The first verse is followed by a smattering of guitars that resemble the feelings of summer, with smooth drums overlaying them. Sullivan finally gets a little louder with his frustrating friend, telling them to get a grip, but he also reassures them he’ll continue to be there when this inevitably happens again.

The video opens with the bandmates leaving a liquor store with their hands full, both physically and mentally. Their one friend, who’s waiting in the car, already seems drunk or in a daze. Once they get back home, all the bandmates start playing games, talking and having fun while the friend sits there, unsure of what to do like he’s never been to a party before. He does nothing as one guy stuffs a pill down his throat and another forces him to drink more beer. He finally gets up to explore the house, definitely drunk, and finds these guys to be his friends, hugging them tightly while appreciating everything around him. He starts slowing down as the band paints streaks of different colors on his face before he attempts to run away, fails and is forced to sit back down before most likely experiencing the same day tomorrow.

Of the meaning behind “Simpleton,” Levy shares: “Break the norm, go upstream. Be kind to yourself and those around you, while trusting your gut and following what makes you truly happy.”

What’s The Rush is set to release May 7 via Pure Noise Records. The name of the album came from fans asking desperately for an LP and the band jokingly responding with just that before realizing it’s actually a dope title. This single is the first piece of material since the band’s debut EP, Rising, came out in 2019. The band has been working on the LP since October 2019, bringing in Jack Shirley — of Jeff Rosenstock, Deafheaven and Elder Brother — to bring the album to perfection. For music that makes you feel good, check out the upcoming album from Cold Moon, and in the meantime, keep “Simpleton” on repeat.