Today marks the release of There Is No Arrival Vol. 2, the latest five-track EP from New Jersey indie punk outfit Above the Moon. Celebrating a decade together, the band continues to push the boundaries of their sound, blending raw punk energy with melodic indie sensibilities, and offering listeners a record that feels immediate, ambitious, and deeply personal.
The EP opens with “King Baby,” a track that hits like a shot of adrenaline. Bold, unfiltered, and in-your-face in the best possible way, it sets the tone for the rest of the release. Kate Griffin’s commanding vocals drive the track, pairing tightly wound guitar riffs with an urgency that demands attention. It’s a statement of intent, a track that embodies the band’s fearless approach to songwriting and performance.
Next, “Back and Forth” shifts gears while maintaining intensity. With a lyrical push-and-pull that reflects tension and desire, the song calls to mind the soaring, emotive power of Hayley Williams-era Paramore. Kate’s vocal range shines here, delivering both grit and vulnerability, supported by Kyle Griffin’s driving bass and Shawn Murphy’s dynamic guitar work. The track balances raw emotion with polished indie-rock sensibilities, offering one of the EP’s most memorable moments.
The EP’s third track, “Sirens,” slows the pace with a reflective, melodic approach reminiscent of Jenny Lewis and Rilo Kiley. Layered instrumentation and warm harmonics give the song a nostalgic, almost cinematic feel, creating space for both the band and the listener to breathe. Its understated intensity and evocative melodies mark a subtle shift from the aggressive energy of the first two tracks, demonstrating the band’s versatility and mastery of mood.
“Top Five” picks up the momentum again, injecting a sense of mystery and playfulness into the EP. The song is melodic yet complex, with subtle harmonies weaving through intricate guitar lines and rhythmic drumming. It captures Above the Moon’s knack for layering textures while keeping the track accessible and immediately engaging. The playful tone feels both spontaneous and deliberate, a testament to the band’s experience and attention to detail.
Closing out the EP is “When We’re Gone,” a track that serves as a perfect summation of the collection’s themes. Harmonically rich and emotionally resonant, the song blends introspection with anthemic moments, leaving the listener with a lasting impression of both closure and possibility. It’s a fitting finale for a record that explores presence, connection, and the passage of time, themes the band has revisited throughout their career.
Formed in late 2015 in Madison, New Jersey, Above the Moon has spent the past decade building a reputation on authenticity, live energy, and a refusal to rely on gimmicks or backing tracks. Over the years, the band has released five EPs—working with Rob Freeman (Hidden in Plain View) and Joe Reinhart (Hop Along)—as well as an acoustic EP during the 2020 pandemic, and a full-length album in 2023 recorded entirely at their home studio, Bottle Hill Recording. Their sound draws from an expansive range of influences, including punk, shoegaze, singer-songwriter craft, and pop, resulting in a style that is distinctly their own.
There Is No Arrival Vol. 2 continues the band’s 2025 vision of challenging themselves creatively while exploring what it means to live fully in the present. Comprised of Kate Griffin (vocals, guitar), Kyle Griffin (bass), Shawn Murphy (guitar), and John Gramuglia (drums), Above the Moon delivers on this EP a dynamic, engaging, and memorable set of songs that proves they are as ambitious and inventive as ever.
The EP is available today on all major streaming platforms, ready to find its place on playlists, in earbuds, and on stages where Above the Moon continues to define their decade-long journey.
Connect with Above the Moon via:
Facebook // Instagram // Spotify // Website
Photo Credit: Natalie La Spisa
