Moondaddy is the San Diego-based, “analog-obsessed” dream pop outfit led by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Cara Poticker. Hazy soundscapes, searing lyricism, and kaleidoscopic production is the name of the game for the rising band, whose 2023 debut LP Poet Lies swirled shoegaze, dream pop, trip-hop, and downtempo with spellbinding effect, and lifted them to opening slots for Beabadoobee and Peel Dream Magazine. They’ve since released the entrancing EP Lightwave Lightwave, and are now gearing up for the release of their sophomore LP Dove Tapes.

Now, Moondaddy is giving us a preview of that album with the hypnotic new single “Bystander” - along with its colorful, classically vintage music video. The track balances blissful tones and themes of love-derived pain - with pulsating bass, shimmering synths, and bleary guitars buoying Poticker’s gorgeous, expressive vocals and poignant lyrics: “Darling are you coming to me soon?/ I wait like a dove on a live wire/ Letting electricity form plumes that fall on the bystander.”

The band recorded Dove Tapes live to tape with producer/engineer Manuel Calderon (Beach House, Animal Collective) at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas. We’ll have more coverage when that album drops later this year (release date TBA). Until then, you can give the kaleidoscopic video for “Bystander” a spin below.

You can also go see them live at Soda Bar on July 2 with fellow CR faves Omo Cloud. You can learn about tickets and other info HERE.

Moondaddy - “Bystander"

The Radio Addicts - “Scroll My Life Away”

Omo Cloud - “Ultimate Love”