At the core, though, is Parker's earnestness and wide-eyed wonder. The natural elements play a big role here (another similarity with Harpswell Sound, actually), mirroring and triggering moods. There are quite a few attractive hooks, which Parker often likes to sing along with in lockstep.
Some of the best tunes on the newer Moon, though, feature Walker playing a more prominent role with his bass. He really digs into "The Key," taking the band to a gritty place in the post-chorus before they dial back into the second verse and then launch back in: "Why can't you see the sun rise up/And learn to sing/Learn to swim?" They like the staccato, herky-jerky punctuation you'll hear here.
"Undone" has similar forward momentum, Walker helping things get downright slinky and sinister as Parker pings out harmonics. The chorus is particularly satisfying, helping you feel the urgency of the lyrics: "And we will run, run like the wind."
If and It aren't a band that focus a lot on polish and perfection, but their music is warm and honest and perfect for a certain kind of front porch on a certain kind of lazy summer night, where it's too hot to be inside and the beer tastes awfully good no matter who brewed it and you don't really have a whole lot on the agenda.
SPARKLY GOLD + BLEEDING MOON | Released by If and It | at Dirigimus Cooperative | July 20 | ifandit.com
Topics:
Music Features
, Ron Harrity, Chris Dibiasio, If and It, More 
, Ron Harrity, Chris Dibiasio, If and It, If and It, Sparkly Gold, Less 
