Exclusive album premiere of ‘Brave State’ by PDX instrumental post-rock/cinematic Americana band Moon and Bike, set for release on May 3, 2024.

Moon and Bike are gearing up to drop their sophomore album, ‘Brave State,’ a collection of 10 tracks that mark a significant shift in the band’s style. What was once a duo has transformed into a trio with the addition of drummer John Gannon, adding a whole new dimension to Boone and Michael’s sound. This transition injects a palpable rock influence into the mix, capturing the raw energy and dynamism that come from collaborating with a skilled percussionist.

The album was co-produced by Moon and Bike and Dylan Magierek of Badman Records, whose credits include My Morning Jacket and The Innocence Mission. The mixing was handled by John Morgan Askew (Neko Case, Laura Gibson, M. Ward), with mastering by Timothy Stollenwork at Stereophonic Mastering.

Boone Johnson states, “With ‘Brave State,’ our main goal was to expand upon the guitar duo feel of our first album, and create a bigger sonic palette, specifically with the addition of drums and bass. We wanted to open up our sound more, and incorporate different elements of rock into our recordings, as well as add more textures and improvisational moments. Since starting Moon and Bike in 2020, we’ve wanted to share our unique approach to instrumental guitar music with as many people as possible. As we both continue our journey playing guitar, we appreciate more and more all of the different textures and tones one can get out of a guitar, especially when layering acoustic and electric guitars together.”

Moon and Bike’s style revolves around compelling melodies and sophisticated chord progressions, drawing on pop sensibilities while venturing into post-rock, fusion, and ambient realms. Their arrangements blend acoustic and electric guitar layers with robust rhythms and atmospheric electronic elements. This rich sonic tapestry owes much to their varied musical influences and experience in scoring original music for film and other media.

Tour Dates
May 4th // Portland, OR // Al’s Den
May 29th // Bend, OR // McMenamins Old St. Francis
July 7th // Bothel, WA // McMenamins Anderson School

Headline photo: Amy Johnson

Moon and Bike Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp / YouTube