LunaRover has just dropped a sound bomb that’s about to blow your mind with their debut single “Chimera” — a mind-bending journey through the landscape of failed relationships and exploration. Hailing from Silver Spring, MD, this alt-pop powerhouse led by Ben Pelletier and Kevin Rieth is anything but your typical indie outfit. They’ve created something that’s part nostalgic 80s synth-wave, part modern rock experimentalism, jamming nostalgia and “today-ness” to give us something magical.
“Chimera” digs into the messy world of love and self-discovery. Kevin Rieth’s vocals cut through layers of synthesized soundscapes, telling a story of a relationship that’s more mirage than reality. The lyrics “We were riding a breeze” capture the ephemeral nature of connections that seem perfect but ultimately dissolve. All about fancying the idea of being a couple rather than loving your other half themself.
What’s nice about all this is its absolutely killer production. Ben Pelletier’s synthesizer work is fire, channelling the spirit of Duran Duran while keeping a distinctly modern edge. The addition of Tench Tillman’s explosive drum work and Artem Zhulyev’s mind-bending saxophone solo (which, by the way, is played backwards – how’s that for innovation?) elevates the track from good to absolutely phenomenal.
The DIY recording approach adds an authentic rawness to the track. Recorded entirely at home, “Chimera” feels like an intimate peek into the band’s creative process. Those noisy Moog synthesizers and 80s-inspired drum fills create nostalgic and cutting-edge feelings. Taking cues from icons like St. Vincent and Alabama Shakes, LunaRover isn’t actually copying — they’re reimagining what alt-pop can be. The track’s emotional core explores the painful realization of loving an idea rather than a person as we’ve already pointed out, crystallized in the gut-punch words “I can’t be your answer.”
For a debut single, “Chimera” is a statement of intent. LunaRover isn’t here to play it safe – they’re here to push boundaries, challenge expectations, and create music that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is sonically explosive. An absolutely mind-blowing debut that promises big things from this Silver Spring quartet. LunaRover is a band to regard, full stop.