Alma Mater – “Fading Moon” [Single Review]

Folk-rock duo Alma Mater releases their debut single, “Fading Moon,” a poignant folk song bathed in indie-pop flavours, from their forthcoming album, The Beginning of Everything.

“Fading Moon” was written when Sullivan was visiting his sick mother in hospice care. Performing for her brought her pleasure.

Made up of Andrew Paul Woodworth, who formerly fronted Elephant Ride, signed to Sony Records, and Dirk Sullivan, whose band Love On Ice was signed to Interscope Records, the two got together in Woodworth’s garage and began writing music.

Talking about the song, Woodworth shares, “I was never afraid of dying until I had a child. ‘Fading Moon,’ on the surface, seems like a love letter to my two baby boys. But, in reality, it’s a means to comfort myself from my overwhelming fear of leaving them behind when I die. When pure and intense love is experienced, there is a level of pain associated with it. I’ve never been more happy, but I’ve never been more scared. So, this seemingly sweet, folky ditty is really a pretty dark, anxious proclamation.”

“Fading Moon” rolls out on lightly shimmering guitars, brimming with soft orchestral textures, riding pitter-pattering, syncopated percussion, and a plump bassline. Lustrous vocals infuse the tune with tender, quixotic aromas, vaguely reminiscent of Christopher Cross, vivid and shiny.

Completely alluring and vibrant, with “Fading Moon,” Alma Mater delivers tantalizing, gorgeously wrought music.

Alma Mater

Run Time: 3:28
Release Date: January 26, 2023
Record Label: Independent