‘New Moon Rising’ signals a monumental resurgence for The Lions Constellation, a band that has long operated as a prophetic outlier in the Spanish independent scene. Nearly two decades ago, they were architects of a sound that few in their homeland understood, and their return in 2025 finds them not as relics of a bygone era, but as masters of a genre that has finally caught up to their vision. This record is a defiant statement against the stagnant imitation currently plaguing global shoegaze. It is an album that understands the physics of noise, where the “wall of sound” is not merely a static barrier but a living, breathing landscape of emotional turbulence and melodic grace.
The record opens with the sweeping intensity of “Pictures of Your Obsession,” immediately establishing the technical synergy between the core trio and their collaborators. RJ leads the charge with an impressive array of electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, and percussion, crafting a dense harmonic fog that never feels suffocating. This is anchored by the locked-in rhythm section of P. Arthur on drums and Graham Lions on bass, whose steady, driving pulse allows the more experimental elements to soar. As the album transitions into the shimmering textures of “Allison” and the kaleidoscopic “Colors of My Town,” the contributions of additional musicians like Pau Roca and Edgar Beltri become evident. Their mastery of guitar effects and synthesizers adds layers of iridescent detail that flicker like distant stars through a storm.
What sets this collection apart is the sheer variety of its sonic palette. “If You” and “Beautiful Time” showcase a band capable of finding profound intimacy within a gale of distortion, while “When You Dream” utilizes the piano and synth work of Edu Martínez to create a sense of fragile, cinematic suspension. The vocal interplay is equally vital; the presence of Laura Garcia alongside RJ provides a spectral depth to the arrangements, particularly on the standout track “Human Skills.” This balance of power and delicacy continues through “A Long Life Is Not a Real Life” and the brooding, visceral energy of “Guilty Forever,” where the band leans into the darker, more psychedelic aspects of their identity.
The final stretch of the album is a struggle between tension and release. “Losing Touch with My Mind” captures a sense of psychedelic dissolution, followed by the jagged, compelling rhythms of “Funny Games.” By the time the closing notes of “Diamond Sky” fade into silence, it becomes clear that The Lions Constellation have produced a work that transcends regional boundaries. They remain international benchmarks precisely because they refuse to simplify their sound for local palates. ‘New Moon Rising’ is a sophisticated, thought-provoking return that proves beauty is often most visible when viewed through a storm of guitars.
Find out more by visiting: Bandcamp | Instagram | Shelflife Records
