Garden Rock

By Jia Sharma (she/her)

Day Moon’s new EP, Garden Rock, surpassed and disproved every expectation I had going into their recent live show. I deliberately avoided listening to the release beforehand, opting instead to experience it fresh and live. I’m so glad I did. Each song came as a welcome surprise—filled with so many different voices and unexpected twists and sounds. 

They opened with Warm, introduced by guitarist Louis: ”Would you like to warm up with us?” It was the perfect invitation, immediately lifting the energy of the room.  La La Lorelai stood out with its whimsical touch, while Orange Platform Boots brought a groovy, infectious energy that had the crowd jumping all over the place. But it was Intimacy that truly stole the show. Moody, haunting, and emotionally rich, the track cut through the high-energy set with a striking depth. Leaf, the band’s percussionist, delivered an ethereal vocal performance that matched the atmosphere perfectly. 

In fact, all four vocalists had their moment in the spotlight. Each brought something unique to the stage, adding colour and character to the night. One standout moment came when Lex, one of the vocalists, began making bird sounds mid-song.I don’t know if there’s anything more Garden Rock than that. 

And what is Garden Rock? The  band offered a delightfully cryptic prompt: “If you want to know what it means, listen to the EP.” They’re right—no single definition quite fits. . It’s scruffy with lots of vocals and percussion that features a diverse mix of sounds. However, don’t take my word for it, nothing can compare to actually hearing it. 

Midway through the set, Day Moon treated us to an unreleased track, Alley Cat Boogie, featuring vocals by pianist Belles. This performance only made me even more excited to see what this band will do next and hinted at even more versatility to come. When the final song ended, the crowd naturally started chanting “One more song!, — but the band had played through their entire repertoire. With an EP this strong, it surely won’t be long before they’ve got more to offer.

What’s striking about Day Moon is how effortlessly their alternative sound crosses into broader appeal. On tour, the band encountered wildly different crowds across the country, yet even in places where no one knew the words, people connected. That speaks volumes. 

The EP itself—self-produced and “homemade”—is impressively polished. You’d never guess it wasn’t crafted in a professional studio.  It feels like a love letter to Wellington as much as it is a musical statement. Day Moon describes themself as a band made by Wellington for Wellington, and it shows. They care less about their genre or trajectory, and more about the creative space they’re cultivating.In their time together, they’ve carved out a little corner of the Wellington scene. 

With the tour wrapped, the band is taking a breather.  But we won’t have to wait long for more. L Day Moon returns to the stage at San Fran for Eyegum Wednesday on September 3rd, playing alongside Fine Wine Social Club. I can guarantee this is not a band to miss. If not for the name alone, then for the mystery, the music, and the magic of Garden Rock. You won’t leave disappointed.