An analysis of “Closer to You”, MOON AND ARIES’ Bond-worthy noir-pop anthem. Discover their blend of trip-hop and retro-futuristic soundscapes.
Moon and Aries: A Triumphant Return with Cinematic Success
We are thrilled to welcome back a duo we know well: MOON AND ARIES. Having reviewed their previous tracks, we eagerly anticipate their new “return” in grand style. They aren’t just a duo; they are a sensory and cinematic experience. Formed in 2021 through a remote collaboration between Canada’s Jordana Moon and Germany’s Tom Aries, their project transcends boundaries and time zones to create a genre-defying sound.
Their mission is clear: to elevate awareness and activate a deeper narrative by fusing melody with meaning. Their style is an elegant mix of noir-pop and retro-futuristic soundscapes, a crucible that welcomes R&B/Soul, synthpop, trip-hop, and cinematic electronica. This fusion creates emotionally immersive experiences, a sonic bridge between the timeless and the modern, making them a natural choice for synchronization licensing opportunities.
“Closer to You”: A Spy Thriller Soundtrack Vibe
With their new 2025 single, “Closer to You”, Moon and Aries further elevate their cinematic ambition. This track is arguably their most mature and evocative production to date: a Bond-worthy noir-pop anthem that pulses with the dramatic tension of a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack.
From the first notes, the track captivates you with hypnotic 86 BPM beats and lush retro-futuristic textures. The fusion is bold: it merges the power of alternative noir rock with the fresh rhythm of trip-hop and the driving intensity of a classic spy theme. The atmosphere is misterious yet emotionally charged, evoking scenes of nighttime chases or intense glances in a smoky bar. The sensual vocals of Jordana Moon glide elegantly over Tom Aries’ evocative production, creating a palpable tension. “Closer to You” is the ideal accompaniment for nocturnal soundscapes and sophisticated visual narratives.
Behind the Sound: The Protagonists’ Influences
The depth of Moon and Aries’ sound stems from the distinct and complementary backgrounds of the two artists, a key element to their creative synergy:
- Jordana Moon (Canada): A singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and creative writer whose lyrics explore themes of awareness and empowerment. Her influences range from Joni Mitchell, Lauryn Hill, and the Bee Gees, to the hypnotic atmospheres of Portishead and Massive Attack.
- Tom Aries (Germany): A classically trained pianist, he is also an electronic synthesizer musician and composer. His inspiration includes European synth-pop giants like Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, ABBA, Röyksopp, and classic ’80s sounds.
Fans of artists who blend dramatic pop and trip-hop, such as Shivaree (“Goodbye Moon”), Nancy Sinatra (“Bang Bang”), Portishead, Goldfrapp, Lana Del Rey, and Dusty Springfield, will find the same sophisticated intensity in “Closer to You”.
Discography, Achievements, and Accolades
Despite only starting their career in 2021, Moon and Aries have demonstrated remarkable momentum and success, culminating in the award for “BAND OF THE YEAR” at the OGIMA Music Awards (November 2023).
- Extensive Discography: They have released a total of 33 tracks by the end of 2024 across three full albums: “The Arrival” (2022), where the title track boasts over 1 million Spotify streams; “Break the Matrix” (2023); and “TRANSCENDENCE” (2024).
- Chart Success: Their track “FIRENIGHT” reached No. 1 on official US DJ-pool charts. Furthermore, “Traffic” was included in the GOA CHILLOUT ZONE VOL. 13 compilation, charting in the Top 3 of Amazon UK and Germany’s Best Sellers & Hot New Releases charts.
MOON AND ARIES don’t just make music; they craft an elevated, immersive auditory journey. Prepare to be instantly transported as their visionary approach breaks every sonic boundary.
