Album cover art for Moxy The Band’s album *Dream Feeling*

Moxy The Band, a newly formed trio from Sacramento, has released their first ever album, Dream Feeling, combining the skills of each member to create a project dealing with modern problems from nostalgic concepts. With Amber DeLaRosa on lead vocals and Dryw Owens and Michael Franzino working together on instrumentals and lyrics, the three came together to create the album during the pandemic, in their own little bubble due to the virus. Dream Feeling plays with the concept of isolation inspired by this time and ties in 80s imagery to create a new, yet familiar and comforting sound.

“Pawns” is the first track of the album, setting a precedent for the group’s futuristic sound with the highly computerized elements. Being one of the three songs on the album with a music video, the visuals call back to an 80s-style prom rife with betrayal and iconic cliches, as DeLaRosa wins prom queen opposite her cheating boyfriend. As punishment, her friends dump a bowl of punch on his head and DeLaRosa ends the video on top of the world, aggressively staring at the camera dead-on.

Next is “You Feel It Too,” a moody banger that shows off DeLaRosa’s vocals. The lyrics stand out in this particular track, depicting the fear of hurting those you love, pushing them away to protect them. However, spoken, distorted interludes balance that with their relationship advice. The final lines of the song state: “...But the question is whether or not you're perfect for each other / That's the whole deal. That's what intimacy is all about.”

“The Cost,” the band’s first single, draws you into its emotional message and vivid world through the music video’s high-quality production. A standout song on the album, each band member belts out in their individual roles, detailing the rundown housewife’s thoughts in the video.

While harsh to its subject, “Live Without” has a hopeful tone of forgiveness and adoration. Owens and Franzino make a feature on this song as well, giving it a unique vibe compared to the rest of the album. The two act as reinforcements for DeLaRosa’s character.

“Can you hear mе calling for you? / Are you really so far gone? / I don’t carе what you think you are / Or think you aren’t / You’re what I want.”

“The Feeling of Letting Go” is the album’s final single, accompanied by a playful music video. The lyrics contrast with the bright, upbeat visuals of the three bandmates jazzercising in 80s-inspired exercise garb, begging the audience for some type of connection.

“All That Could Happen” builds to an explosive saxophone solo with its repeated plea: “I can see / All that could happen if we / Finally lived our lives / Don't tell me we missed our time.”

The song incorporates layered vocals and harmonies to make a chorus of voices that mourn a lost love.

Veering on a more indie sound, “Asking God For Cigarettes” evokes a small-town anger. The lyrics describe being stuck in a life tied to someone who you know doesn’t care for you anymore. The guitar shouts along with DeLaRosa’s pained voice, both accepting of this cycle of neglect.

Switching to yet another genre, the most rock inspired would have to be “Forever Endeavor”. The song haunts with its heavier message and recording of a real child’s voice halfway through. It effectively doesn’t leave the audience's heads after their first listen, mirroring the song’s own lyrics.

“Ruining The Party” concerns itself with exactly what the title states, worrying over every potential faux-pas with drowning imagery.

“Everyone here’s / So tired of talking / Your greatest fear / They can’t hear you calling.”

Depicting ever-present anxiety, DeLaRosa’s vocals are distorted at certain points to seem as if they are coming from far away as if her head was truly underwater.

“Overgrown” tells the tale of moving on, still healing, but knowing you deserve more than what that relationship provided. It holds a firm strength, backed up by steady, comforting instrumentals. An appropriate second-to-last track, it sounds like the beginning of the end.

The final track, “Guidance Counselor”, closes off the album in as strong of a way as “Pawns” started off. It brings the album full circle, with its constant reassurance that “some lessons are worth learning.” After songs processing personal and more generalized heartbreak and struggles, this song hammers home the real point of the album, that moving forward is always possible.

To keep up with the band, you can follow them on Instagram or listen to the full album on Spotify.

"Some Lessons Are Worth Learning" In Moxy The Band's Debut Album "Dream Feeling"