Silent Departure: What the History of Walk the Moon Tells Us About the Fall of Indie Rock

While many of you know me for my love of punk rock, a large part of my young adult life was dedicated to the indie and alternative scene in the US. From 2010 to 2020, that decade was filled with great bands, tours, and albums. From the school cool to the nerds, everyone was exchanging opinions on Cold War Kids, Young the Giant, Foster the People, and of course my favorite, Walk the Moon.

The band, whose name was inspired by a song by The Police, started out at Kenyon College in Ohio. Nicholas Petricca (vocals), Eli Maiman (guitar), Kevin Ray (bass), and Sean Waugaman (drums) formed the core lineup from 2011 to 2021 — the band’s golden decade. Despite significant successes, the group eventually went into a “hibernation” phase, which I consider characteristic of the difficulties facing the modern music scene.

Artistic Recognition and Popular Success

Walk the Moon stood out from the start for their talent and creativity. Their self-titled debut had a more raw and authentic sound, close to the DIY roots of alternative rock. Nevertheless, it offered impressive sonic variety, with guitar tracks and more atmospheric synthetic elements. The album’s hits were the uplifting “Anna Sun”, the emotional “I Can Lift A Car”, as well as the first singles “Quesadilla” and “Tightrope”. Deeper into the album, you will find dynamite songs for their concerts, such as the intense “Lisa Baby”, the rhythmic “Next In Line” and the melancholic “Iscariot”. One cannot miss “Jenny” — one of the best songs of the genre.

In their subsequent albums, the band adopted more pop and strong electronic elements, gaining wider recognition. However, I think their first album deserves a second chance, as many of you may have come to know them through the great success of their next album.

The reason, of course, is the famous “Shut Up And Dance With Me” — a song that has now become a fixture at weddings, sporting events and party playlists, and has been described as the “Mr. Brightside” of the 2010s. Despite being played countless times, its power remains undeniable. Subsequent hits like “One Foot” and “Lost In The Woods” showed the band’s path towards more commercial paths. Regardless of style, however, their songwriting skills remain excellent.

Kevin Ray’s Departure and the Consequences

Despite their success, Walk the Moon has faced serious challenges. In 2020, it was announced that bassist Kevin Ray had left the band. According to the band, this decision was made due to behavior that was inconsistent with their values. Although no details were revealed, and there was no official scandal or legal action, online rumors reported inappropriate behavior towards female fans.

The band’s decision to remove a member for ethical reasons is commendable. However, Ray’s absence seemed to negatively impact the band’s energy and dynamic, as he was a strong presence on stage and beloved by fans. This is of course no excuse for any bad behavior, and Walk the Moon probably did the right thing, but it’s sad when such a crucial creative element is lost.

A Silent Departure with Greater Meaning

The story of Walk the Moon is a candid reflection of the rise and fall of indie rock over time. From the heyday of a music scene brimming with talent and originality to the decline of its commercial and artistic appeal, this band served as a mirror to an entire era. And, ultimately, it passed away quietly — like so many other bands that left their mark without making a big splash.