The Moons

The Moons

The Moons are a British indie rock group from Northampton, formed in 2008 by vocalist and guitarist Andy Crofts after the end of his previous band, the On Offs. Their sound combines psychedelic and garage rock elements with pop-leaning melodies.

Early lineup and first recordings

The first Moons recording, The Lunar Sessions, is a demo on which Crofts plays most of the instruments, with former On Offs drummer Danny Connors handling the drums. The band then becomes a full lineup, with Ben Gordelier on drums, Adam Leeds on bass and Chris Ketley on guitar. Leeds and Ketley later leave, and James Bagshaw and Tom Warmsley join in their place.

Albums and collaborations

The Moons release their debut album, Life on Earth, in 2010 on Acid Jazz. It is recorded at Paul Weller’s studio, reflecting the close link between Weller and Crofts, who also plays in Weller’s band. Weller contributes piano to “Wondering” and lead guitar to the title track, “Last Night on Earth.”

The band starts working with Edwyn Collins on a follow-up album in 2011. Fables of History is released in 2012 on Schnitzel Records and is the first Moons album to feature keyboardist Tom Van Heel. A further album for Schnitzel, Mindwaves, follows in 2014.

Later activity

After Mindwaves, the band takes a break from recording but continues to play occasional gigs. In 2020, The Moons release their fourth album, Pocket Melodies, independently on Crofts’ label, Colorama Records.

Members

The Moons include Andy Crofts, Ben Curtis and Ben Gordelier.