The Third Eye

In their most ambitious and emotionally resonant album to date, Shannon & the Clams deliver something truly exceptional with The Moon Is in the Wrong Place. This dynamic record is a powerful blend of raw emotion and infectious energy that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go.

At its core, this album is a story of tragedy and triumph. Lead singer Shannon Shaw and her bandmates faced an unimaginable loss when Shaw’s fiancé passed away in a car accident just weeks before their wedding. From this grief emerged 14 songs that are both achingly raw and profoundly uplifting.

The opening track, “The Vow,” sets the stage for the emotional journey ahead. Written by Shaw as a surprise for her late fiancé, intended to be sung on their wedding day, the song captures a love that knows no bounds. Lines like “You’re all mine for all time” and “Tell me you’ll always be around” hit hard given the context, but even as you find yourself reaching for the tissues, there’s a strange comfort in the realization that their love endures even beyond death. It’s this balance of tragedy and beauty that establishes the tone for the entire record, embodying its themes of love and loss perfectly.

The Moon Is in the Wrong Place was recorded at Dan Auerbach’s (guitarist and vocalist of The Black Keys) studio in Nashville, marking their seventh LP and third collaboration with Auerbach. As with the previous two, this album benefits from Auerbach’s expert touch, resulting in a polished yet authentic sound. Each track unfolds like a carefully crafted piece of art, with layers of instrumentation adding depth and texture to the overall sonic landscape.

While some longtime fans might argue that the polish takes away from the band’s signature grit, I think they strike a perfect balance here, keeping their essence intact while also pushing their sound to new heights. Embracing evolution is essential, and I believe they do an amazing job at showcasing that on this record while staying true to the elements that initially captivated their fanbase.

Elements of garage rock, soul, and psychedelia blend seamlessly, creating a sound that is both immersive and emotionally resonant. Tracks like “Big Wheel” and “Real or Magic” showcase the band’s musical prowess, with driving beats and fuzzy guitars backing up Shaw’s impassioned vocals. The album transports you to another era while still feeling refreshingly modern and is as heartbreaking as it is danceable.

Each song functions as a chapter in a larger narrative, vividly portraying love, loss, and the journey toward acceptance. It feels like Shannon & the Clams are taking your hand and guiding you through the highs and lows of the human experience. It wasn’t what I anticipated when I hit play, but I’m glad I hopped on board.

In the title track, Shaw’s haunting repetition of the line, “The moon is in the wrong place,” captures the disorienting aftermath of loss, where the world feels upside down and the future uncertain. Through Shaw’s lyrics, listeners are transported into her emotional landscape, where even the celestial bodies seem to have lost their place.

However, as the album draws to a close with “Life is Unfair,” Shaw offers a glimmer of hope. Through her repetition of the truth, “Life is unfair, yet beautiful,” she leaves us with the reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s still beauty to be found if we’re willing to search for it. For Shaw, the moon may never look the same again, but through her journey of grief and healing, she discovers that solace can still be found in this strange new world.

Listening to this album reminded me of the importance of loving fiercely, for we never know when our own moons might be displaced. It’s a deeply personal record, but its themes are universal, resonating with anyone who has experienced love and loss.

Sit back, press play, and let yourself feel all of the feels. You won’t regret it!

Check out The Moon Is In The Wrong Place by Shannon & The Clams on Bandcamp here.

You can support Shannon & The Clams by finding them on Bandcamp, their official website, or social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).

This review was written by Charlotte Woska. Charlotte is a recent college graduate with a passion for music and writing. While new to the world of reviews, her love for music has been a lifelong journey. Through her work, she aims to shine a light on emerging artists and convey the impacts music can have.

Consider supporting The Third Eye on Patreon here.