Nashville’s shimmer-pop trio, Moody Joody, has burst onto the scene with their dazzling debut EP, Dream Girl, released via Photo Finish Records. This electrifying collection is pure indie-pop gold—infused with glitter, heartache, and a touch of nostalgia. Opening with the hazy, groove-heavy “El Camino High,” the band offers up the ultimate sunset soundtrack for a yearn-filled drive, capturing the thrill and ache of looking back on a romance through rose-colored glasses. It’s a track that lingers like a warm memory, perfectly setting the stage for Dream Girl’s vibrant celebration tonight at Nashville’s Row One, with support from Natalie Madigan.
Synthy, sexy, and deeply earnest, Dream Girl lets Moody Joody embrace every high and low, encouraging listeners to dance through life’s complexities. Led by Kayla Hall and Kaitie Forbes on vocals and guitars, the EP captures their experiences as women navigating life’s challenges and joys. It’s both an escape and a mirror, holding space for a wide range of emotions and experiences—from love and mental health struggles to self-acceptance and unrequited longing. Forbes describes Dream Girl as a rejection of unrealistic perfectionism; it’s about stepping off the pedestal and embracing the messiness of being human. “Our first body of work,” she explains, “is a story of romance, existential crises, loss, and rebirth.”
With standout tracks like “Cuts Deep”—an anthem for the nerve-wracking “define the relationship” talk—and “Ground Control,” an escapist ode to burnout, Dream Girl is a journey through love and loss. “Cuts Deep,” co-written in New York City with Scott Harris, captures that precarious moment when casual fun morphs into something deeper, laced with energy, sass, and a tinge of sarcasm. Meanwhile, “Ground Control” is an apocalyptic yet spirited alt-pop rush, a reminder to keep looking forward even when life feels like it’s on repeat. It’s escapism at its finest, wrapped in addictive melodies and unforgettable hooks. Atwood Magazine perfectly described it as a “spirited, seductive fever dream” that catapults listeners into a world of radiant, alt-pop ecstasy.
The EP also features a shimmering remix of “Velvet Connection” by St. Lucia, bringing a fresh twist to this synth-heavy, summery crush anthem. Each track feels like a gem in a glittering mosaic, capturing the duo’s eclectic influences and emotions. Hall shares that Dream Girl was “born from capturing the duality of life and our raw emotions as women.” With moments that are sexy, ethereal, powerful, and vulnerable, Moody Joody has created a safe space for listeners to explore the highs and lows of life with them.
Dream Girl is more than just an EP—it’s a manifesto for embracing one’s true self, even in the face of imperfection. In “El Camino High,” the trio finds the perfect balance of nostalgia and excitement, serving as a fitting finale for this chapter and a tantalizing glimpse of what’s next. This debut establishes Moody Joody as an indie-pop force, blending dreamy synths, raw lyrics, and infectious rhythms. Dive in, turn up the volume, and let Dream Girl be your guide through the beautiful mess of being human.