Founded in 2023 by multi-instrumentalist Andrew James, a veteran of the Milwaukee scene known for his work in Paper Holland and Flat Teeth, Known Moons has quickly established a signature sound that seamlessly blends bouncy alternative-indie rock with lush dream pop. The project’s aesthetic is further elevated by the striking cover art created by Harrison Colby, which perfectly complements the curated vibe of the music.
Listening to the new record, Everything is Beginning to End, while enjoying a Cactus Club Bloody Mary (my personal favorite bloody in Milwaukee) is arguably the only way to truly “ascend” before noon on a weekend. The album’s pacing shifts from the hazy atmosphere of its more ambient moments into a mid-tempo groove that provides just enough momentum to finish a drink and consider a second round. It is a record that demands your full attention but doesn’t stress you out, much like a well-made cocktail… it is sophisticated, slightly intoxicating, and leaves you wondering why every morning can’t feel this spectacular.
The tracklist is a literal “who’s who” of people who are probably much cooler than us, featuring a guest list that feels like a Milwaukee music scene gala. The journey kicks off with “A Coffin for the Cosmos“
, a title that manages to make the heat death of the universe sound like a cozy Saturday afternoon activity. It’s the perfect track for when you want to feel intellectually superior to your houseplants while contemplating the void over a garnish of celery and olives. If that doesn’t quite ground you, “This Hell” steps in to remind us that while the afterlife might be a dumpster fire, at least it has a catchy bassline. It’s the sonic equivalent of realizing you’re late for work but deciding to finish your toast anyway because, honestly, what’s the worst that could happen? Another notable track, “Beginning to End,” uses Lora Kosanke’s soaring violin to underscore lyrics about feeling “out of your depth in the deep end,” which is a relatable mood for anyone who has ever tried to assemble IKEA furniture. Meanwhile, “Under the Sword” brings in Connor Erickson (Barely Civil) and a saxophone performance by Sean Hirthe (Soul Low) to really crank up the emotional stakes. Then there’s the single, “TIME,” which features Calvin Langman (The Happy Fits) on cello and a trumpet solo from the emo time keeper, Steve Lamos (American Football). It’s jazz-inflected melancholia at its finest, perfect for those moments when you’re wondering if you should “dust yourself off again” or just “bury your head in the sand.”
Scheduled for a full release on March 27, 2026, the album is currently available for pre-order in both digital formats and a Cosmic Splatter 12″ vinyl that looks exactly like what happens when a nebula has a productive weekend. If you want to experience the existential dread in person, the band is playing a the photo book release show of “Memories of a Street Cat” by Samer Ghani at Cactus Club on Wednesday, March 25th.
Whether you’re there for the synth-heavy grooves mixed by Elliott Douglas (M.A.G.S.) or the masterful engineering of Josh Evert (Silver City Studios) Known Moons has delivered the definitive musical cocktail of the year. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a Saturday morning buzz, providing just enough momentum to help you finish your drink and strongly consider a second round.
Links of interest:
https://knownmoons.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/knownmoons