Arda & The Stolen Moon – “Kinder World” Feat. Nicholas Leptos

Arda & The Stolen Moon – “Kinder World” Feat. Nicholas Leptos – Single Review

You never really know what Arda & The Stolen Moon are going to create next when it comes to what you’ll hear in their music, but you can always count on them bringing a perspective that they’re proud to stand behind.  I’ve always been interested in this project, and for plenty of reasons.  If you’re familiar with our own history here at sleepingbagstudios, you’ll know I’ve always said there are two main ingredients when it comes to whether or not a band will survive throughout the years – you either have something to say, or you’ve got something to prove…these are the elements that drive longevity.  You could probably boil both of those things together and you’d come out with passion as being the most necessary aspect, but you get the point…they’re all related to a degree.  If you’re lucky enough to possess one of these attributes, you’ve got a much better chance of lasting longer than those out there with natural talent they take for granted, I assure you.  I’ve seen countless artists and bands that simply didn’t have the resilient spirit required to drive them forward, even if they had skills most would kill for.

When it comes to Arda & The Stolen Moon, they’ve always had something to say…you can hear that all throughout their album Outsider In Perpetual Motion if you’re really listening to what’s being said – feel free to click here if you haven’t read our review on it by now.  Presumably though, they also feel like a band with something to prove…something along the lines of how real art can exist in a disposable world like we’re living in today…and I admire that.  The passion for the craft has always been there as well, and that remains the case when you’re listening to their brand-new single, “Kinder World.”  It’s kind of a fusion between all these crucial elements I’ve been talkin’ about, but with their desire to communicate their ideals through their art being the most noticeable.  Obviously, it’s nice to be on the same side of the coin when it comes to how someone views society, and I’ve always felt like Arda & The Stolen Moon are kindred spirits in that regard.  As they list many of the atrocities that have taken place over the years in a list that could easily go “on and on” – they highlight the need for a “Kinder World,” but also how we seem to continually choose to go in the opposite direction.  Where this single proves to be seriously effective, is in pointing out the role of moneyed interests in shaping our world…the evil corporate oppression that sneaks its way into society through their donations to our elected representatives.  It’s a wake-up call for those who haven’t been paying enough attention, and a call to action for those that have become too complacent.  We don’t have any kind of obligation to oligarchs or corporations that have chosen to use this planet as their playground, sacrificing humanity for money they’ll never even be able to spend.  Most specifically, Arda & The Stolen Moon points their words towards the gun lobbyists, and shines a light on the effects of their brutal savagery & lack of caring.  There are those out there that truly believe it’s not the gun that kills people, but the person holding it…you’ve all heard the arguments by now I’m sure.  I believe the reality is pretty damn simple and clear – if you didn’t have weapons that were designed for destruction, whether or not they ended up in the wrong hands wouldn’t even be an issue, right?  My view on guns is very, very simple – I don’t see the need for them, and I don’t think that whatever the benefits could possibly be outweigh the costs, especially if we’re talking about human life.  To simplify it even further, I look at it like this – the things that I believe in, like art and like music, always ADD something to the human experience.  Guns can only SUBTRACT…they take things away from all of us…they are inherently incapable of adding anything.

So yeah, I’m a big fan of what Arda & The Stolen Moon have to say on this new single of theirs featuring Nicholas Leptos, and I hope their message resonates with all of you reading as well.  Better yet, in my heart of hearts, I’d hope someone out there doesn’t agree with anything I’ve had to say, but has a listen to “Kinder World,” hears what Arda & The Stolen Moon has to say instead, and starts to come around to the stark reality of how imperative it is that we change our ways, and quickly, before it’s way too late.  I too dream of the “Kinder World” that they’re singing about in that same kind of “hopeless romantic” way…optimism despite the darkness…joy as an act of resistance – because what is the OTHER option?  Are we supposed to just give in and let the darkness consume us, or should we take whatever spark of hope we can find, let it burn into the fires of passion, and take action to make the changes we all need?  I know how I view that scenario…I think I know how Arda & The Stolen Moon view it too – in fact, I don’t think songs like “Kinder World” even get made without the message being considered from every angle.

As far as the song goes, I think there are some stellar elements on display here.  Obviously, I really enjoy lyricism that makes you think, and they’ve got plenty of that here.  Beyond that though, they’ve got a great angelic guitar sound in the mix, combined with a cleverly descending bass-line that echoes our society’s own descent into the madness we experience today, and even a harmonica that fits right into this song seamlessly.  Having the two vocalists creates solid contrast and a smart back & forth between the hopeful sound of Arda’s vocals and pleading lyricism, juxtaposed against the colder facts you’ll hear about along the way as they make their case for change based on harsh examples of brutal tragedies.  While Arda might sound weary at points, you’ll also hear that resilience I was referring to earlier as well – she ain’t giving up, and neither should we.  It’s great to hear protest music like this, but at the same time, it’s freakin’ horrifying that we have to PROTEST for a “Kinder World” when that should be our real default setting, you know what I mean?  I’m always going to be on the side of artists and bands like Arda & The Stolen Moon that have the courage to say what needs to be said at the time we need to hear it most.  The message steals the show when it comes to “Kinder World” when it comes right down to it, but there’s no doubt they’ve got a song well worth your time to listen to as well…so make sure you do.

Find out more about Arda & The Stolen Moon from their official website at:  https://ardaandthestolenmoon.com

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