Coming Into Focus: Miss Moon’s Lucid
DC indie rock band Miss Moon’s “Lucid” is an adventurous rock song written by the band’s guitarist Brendan Caffey. Ambitious, creative, and forceful, “Lucid” fights against a life lived on autopilot.
”Lucid’s” intro is immediately distinctive. The song starts with sliding, attackless guitar chords played in tilting quarter note triplets. Then, drums enter to provide a steady 4/4 rock groove that aligns perfectly but retroactively reframes the experience of the guitar’s groove. The vocals enter on the chord’s major seventh tone, creating harmonic uncertainty as the band moves to the second chord of the guitar riff. It’s a chilling and beautiful sound as the guitar and the voice almost pull in different directions. This verse describes a Saturday spent aimlessly and the introspection that follows: “where is my life now going? Days I spent off somewhere dozing, plans that I neglect composing…”
The pre-chorus drops to a pulsing half time beat as the vocals soar. Gone are the ambiguities - this is a moment of clarity as lead singer Miranda Judd says “still there’s something left hanging about, out in the fray.” Lyrically, this represents the moment that the narrator has become aware of their unawareness. Reflecting the non-linear path toward self-realization, instead of leading to a chorus, this first pre-chorus leads into a second verse., This time the narrator struggles to find the course of action that will reverse their passivity, walking with “lazy legs and a shallow breath, no destination feels correct.” That mind-body connection sparks something, however:
Suddenly a stride with speed
Left foot, right foot, take the lead
Shackles broken soul is freed
Running ‘til my chest feels weak
The pre-chorus returns but this time leads to the chorus itself.The chorus introduces a new musical feel with a triplet laden 12/8 beat that intensifies the existing tempo. The narrator finally connects with the power to choose while Judd sings out “standing tall and feeling small and choosing yet to stay, Hope for now and singing loud is what I have to say.” It’s a great chorus where the vocals shine, the band is locked in, and the story hits its stride.
In a moment of hard earned autonomy and lucidity, immediately after the chorus the band shifts into a jazz rock infused interlude where the half time 4/4 groove is split into groups of three, three, and two beats. It’s a creative curveball, but the drummer’s steady timekeeping tethers this surprising excursion to the song’s music arc.
In just under five and a half minutes, “Lucid” incorporates an incredible range of rock textures and beats into its story of self-determination and awareness. Each of the song’s grooves showcases excellent bass, guitar, keys, and drums work, expertly stitched together to create undeniable rock energy in support of Judd’s strong vocals.
Miss Moon’s “Lucid” was released on May 24th, 2025.