Moonroof

The world is very aware that Y2K fashion is making a comeback, but is Y2K music doing the same? Serving up throwback sounds and buckets of nostalgia, indie-pop band Moonroof is here with track “Bored and Numb”. Calling on the classic boy band sounds, the warm strum of a guitar and the steady crashing of drums provide a pleasing foundation for the track. Serving up indie sensibilities whilst possessing the angsty twang synonymous with the likes of Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, the band’s vocals guide lyrics that ponder feelings of love as they transport listeners to the flip phone and Juicy Couture-filled days of the 00s.

“‘Bored and Numb’ has a 2000 nostalgic feeling,” explains the found-piece band. “It’s a song where one is trying to find the right one but can’t seem to get out of the loop of meeting people. It has the warm familiar sound which might make people want to hear it back.”

With the new track joining their already wildly successful drops such as “Honey Honey”, it is clear that the school friends-turned-band mates have set their hearts on a domination of their genre. And, with an EP on the horizon, fans can expect more stellar offerings from them very soon.

Listen to “Bored and Numb” below… - Wonderland Magazine

Philadelphia-based band Moonroof knows how to create waves in the indie-pop scene with music that feels like basking in the warm autumn sun. Yes… it’s that lovely. Following their debut single “Honey Honey” in 2018, the four piece has continued to put out songs that hold onto the beauty of early 2000s nostalgia while still growing alongside modern pop/rock sounds. The band recently released their single “Bored and Numb” and it has already proven to be a short but crucial addition to their impressive musical track record.


Moonroof, comprised of band members Dave Kim (vocals), Dan Rendine (drums), Kevin Randolph (bass) and Danny Walsh (guitar), have been shaping their upbeat, anthemic sound for years in the Philadelphia music scene. In 2020, the band gained widespread attention for their cover of The 1975’s popular song “Chocolate” and have continued building on that success with plenty of original songs like “First”, “Vanilla”, and “Sweatshirt”.

On their recent single “Bored and Numb”, Moonroof gives a brutally honest take on the current world of online dating. With bold lyricism and smooth vocals, Moonroof seems to have a newfound confidence in their sound and it somehow makes their music that much more intoxicating.

About their new song, the band says, “‘Bored and Numb’ has a 2000 nostalgic feeling. It’s a song where one is trying to find the right one but can’t seem to get out of the loop of meeting people. It has the warm familiar sound which might make people want to hear it back.” - Kelly Carrazzone Tongue Tied Mag

Bucks/Philly band Moonroof has one goal – to have its songs stuck in people’s heads after one listen. Lead vocalist Dave Kim is making big promises that the upcoming single “Sweatshirt,” slated for release on Friday, will do just that.


“To get people’s attention, you only have a couple seconds,” Kim told The Times during a recent Zoom chat. “I want them to hear our song once or twice and they can sing it back.”

Moonroof, which consists of Kim, Danny Walsh on lead guitar, Kevin Randolph on bass and Dan Rendine on drums, was formed in 2016 after the guys graduated from Bloomsburg University. Over the years, the indie pop/rock band has performed throughout the area, including at Radio 104.5’s annual birthday show. Here, they opened for industry giants like the Lumineers, Grouplove and Death Cab for Cutie at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey.

To date, Moonroof has dropped a number of singles, including “Honey Honey” and “Vanilla,” most of which boast the theme of believing in love.

“Even though I don’t know much about it,” Kim said with a laugh. “But I watch a lot of movies, I’ve been on dates and everything.”

“Sweatshirt” follows suit.

“It’s a song about, you can get over the person and you should get over the person, but we use an object – a sweatshirt – and you just can’t seem to throw it away. It’s the last piece of the person that you really enjoyed,” explained Kim. “If you do get rid of it, you’re really admitting, ‘Hey, this is the last thing, the last time.’ ”

Listeners of Moonroof can usually expect a track that’s upbeat and catchy, but with a darker lyrical undertone.

“No one ever notices the sad message because we’re smiling and laughing,” said Kim, who said the band’s overall vibe draws heavily from The 1975.

Another single “Bored and Numb” is expected to drop in July. Like “Sweatshirt,” Kim promised the track will have heartbreaking lyrics and an earworm-inducing melody. This single, said Kim, chronicles the trials and tribulations of trying to find love after a breakup on dating apps like Tinder. It’s oftentimes impossible to fill the void of the ex-boyfriend/girlfriend.

“You keep telling yourself you’re fine, yet you still think about that other person,” he said. “It goes, ‘I get bored, I get numb when I meet someone.’ ”

All of Moonroof’s music is family-friendly and attracts fans of all ages. Kim shared how the previous single “First” is relevant for teenagers in their first relationship, as well as adults in their 50s who told Kim they feel a sense of nostalgia while listening.

“We just want to be universal,” said Kim. “We don’t curse in our songs. I think parents will appreciate that.”

“Sweatshirt” and “Bored and Numb” will be part of Moonroof’s debut EP, which the guys hope to release in October under Free Dive Records. They were signed to the label at the end of 2020.

Like most performers, COVID-19 forced Moonroof to cancel all gigs during the spring and summer. Despite an empty schedule, Kim wasn’t about to sit at home doing nothing. Instead, he and Rendine, of Chalfont, set out to increase Moonroof’s social media presence.

“We decided, if we can’t do shows and we can’t physically be the band that we want to be, then we can do an online presence,” said Kim. “We wanted to put ourselves in front of as many people as we could.”

When COVID-19 numbers started to decline and businesses began to resume operations, Kim took an “old school” approach to promote his band.

“I started going to actual stores, restaurants, little bars that were opening up, and I started physically introducing myself,” he said. “I told them about the band. I handed out business cards. But that’s the grind. Everyone likes the highlights of doing music, but I don’t think anyone likes the behind-the-scenes, the business side to this.”

Still, Kim’s networking initiatives worked. Moonroof currently has almost 5,000 followers on Instagram and over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. It also has several upcoming shows, including at the Moorestown Performing Arts Center on June 25. An EP release event is in the works for October.

“I remember asking to play shows when we first started and a lot of emails were like, ‘Oh, your online presence is not there,’ ” reflected Kim, a self-described impatient person. “I’m very hard on myself. But I learned over the years to literally take every little thing that happens as a win.”

Keep up with Moonroof at moonroofmusik.com and on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.

Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com - Samantha Bambino The Times

Dream State is a 2021 release by Moonroof which tells the complete story of a relationship in just seven songs; singing about a break-up, describing the person, and days they had together in a few different tempos.

“Bored and Numb”, track one on Moonroof’s latest EP is neither boring nor numbing. Soft drums, an acoustic guitar, and that mellow voice we all love make this a perfect track for a quiet day in, maybe a walk through the park, even a piece in a movie. This song covers the topic of a break-up and the next step of meeting new people, which is described as boring as it’s not the person they were used to being with. This simple song has difficult emotions, the music behind the vocals is beautiful alone, the rhythm has a calming effect.

“Neighbors” (we all got ’em), the second masterpiece in this production. If you liked the sound of “Bored and Numb”, imagine it with an electric guitar and lightly more complex drums, sounds good right? This track radiates 2005 boyband, let’s say All Time Low-esc.

Now, the third track in the EP changes up a whole lot, with noticeable voice effects, almost robotic and spacious. This is more of an alternative track and gives the feel to the EP, followed by “Lately” which has that dancey feel, sway, tap a foot, spin in the rain.

My favorite title – “Vanilla”. Same differences from the first two tracks as the third and fourth, just with a sweeter flavor. Continuous complex drums, making it easy to jam to. “Vanilla” has a dreamy feel to it, this one definitely hits different! - Spencer Cut it Out Mag

Philly modern rock band Moonroof’s latest single “First” is a nostalgic amalgamation of sounds and memories.

A relatable narrative and synth-driven indie-rock arrangements manifest “First” into a perfectly catchy tune. Paired with the smooth vocals of Dave Kim and an energetic drum and guitar melody, Moonroof pens the story of a first love.

Kim spoke about the track in a press release:

“First is a song about dealing with memories of your first love and how you might not love them anymore but they are still a thought that gets in the way of your future encounters. The chorus brings a comfortable feeling as if one is in a trance and going through the motions of remembering one’s first love. You don’t love them anymore but they made you who you are and they will always be your first.”

As its release nears the holiday season, Moonroof hopes that the common themes and upbeat nature of “First” resonate with listeners to make them feel less alone during these times. Check it out below. - Regina Schliep The Key

Local modern rock trio Moonroof is ramping up to spring with weekly gigs in March, and a busy calendar beyond that. Along the way, they plan on dropping periodic singles, with their current offering being a jangly dreampop tune called “Magazine.”

With guitar tones reminiscent of The Sundays, The Smiths, and Sixpence None The Richer, the song tells the story of a young woman who works as a model in her younger years, idolized and appearing on magazine covers, but as time passes her dreams of stardom don’t play out as she hoped.

Take a listen below, and catch one of Moonroof’s March shows. They’ll be at Bensalem’s Broken Goblet Brewing on March 7th, The Nail in Ardmore on March 14th, The Barbary in Fishtown on March 21st, and Cabanas in Cape May on March 27th. The Barbary show has a particularly sick lineup, with Moonroof joining Elaine Rasnake, Sleep House, and VEAUX. Details can be found at the band’s Facebook page. - John Vettese The Key

A band called Moonroof, that is made up of four Conshohocken residents (they didn’t grow up here), sent in a couple videos.

The members are Dave Kim on lead vocals, Nick Cellucci on guitar/vocals, Kevin Randolph on bass and Dan Rendine on drums.

There are now two people named “Dan Rendine” playing music in Conshohocken. At least one is going to have to change his name (here is the original Dan Rendine).

Anyhow, below are the videos for “Be Somebody” and “Honey Honey.” Lets us know what you think in the comments. - Kevin Tierney More Than the Curve

Philadelphia indie-rock trio, Moonroof, will officially release their new music video for “Trojans,” tomorrow – Friday, November 22. The band has set their sights on conquering the music scene, recently winning Radio 104.5‘s 12th Birthday Show, sharing the stage with The Lumineers, Death Cab For Cutie and Grouplove. The 2016 Bloomsburg University inception wrote “Trojans” this past spring and debuted the single in August.



Unlike the Greek folklore, Moonroof’s release is more synonymous to a lego-horse, or one dressed in vibrant-drag. “Trojans” music video flips the famous tale inside-out, as if the trio is mocking themselves, unconcerned with its reception; they’re focused on their target.


As lead vocalist Dave Kim walks his band into a movie theater, prior to “Trojans” taking the screen, there is a clear smirk and airiness of joy across his face. After prompting the audience, it is comical that the band does not care if their video is well-received.

Guitarist, Danny Walsh, and Drummer, Dan Rendine, carry the airy-spring groove the against a white-windowed, underwhelming backdrop. How long did it take you to figure out the trio is missing a bassist? The track release, onset of winter, is ironic but refreshing. As the movie-theatre crowd moves out one by one, the band continues to groove on the pop-electronic narrative, increasing with feeling.


According to the press release, “‘Trojans’ entails a story of betrayal and heartbreak through a personal experience…the anthem that gets you hyped to finally break off that toxic relationship that’s holding you down.” However, Moonroof is onto something bigger here; Make fun of yourself when nobody else will (deliberately) – have fun – be happy – live. And most importantly – follow your dreams.
Read more at NYS Music... - Chuck NYSMusic

Moonroof, a four-piece band out of Pennsylvania, makes music that is sure to please. The group has been releasing their songs for four years now, and are a part of the ever-prominent indie pop movement. Inspired by groups like The 1975 and Two Door Cinema Club, Moonroof describes their music as “catchy, head-bopping, and addicting”. This description fits the bill; Songs like 2018’s “Honey Honey” and “Magazine” have given the band an international audience of over 55 thousand monthly listeners. The latter, released earlier this year, discusses the creative change that the band is now pursuing within their music. It garnered significant streaming attention with over 195k Spotify plays, their second most popular song to date. Their accolades include a spot on Cage Riot’s Discover: Indie Rising playlist and a first place finish at Alt 104.5 Philly’s Winter Jawn contest in 2020. We recently spoke to the band about their streaming success, favorite songs, and more!

How did you get started making music?

Honestly Dan played drums in high school and asked Dave to be the singer and we clicked ever since. We honestly just love the feeling that music brings. We wanted to create the exact feeling from ourselves.

Who would you say have been your biggest musical influences thus far?

Our biggest musical influences are The 1975, The Japanese House, and Two Door Cinema Club.

Describe your music in just three words.

Catchy, Head-boppin, and addicting

What is the best part about being a band?

Ooh that's a hard one, but the best part is honestly making the song and then sending it to everyone. The reaction people get to our songs means the world to us :)

I know this is a tough question, but what has been each of your favorite songs to record?

Our favorite song to record was probably “Honey Honey” and “Magazine”. They were done differently and had a lot of input into the songs. We wanted to be perfect.

Your song “Honey Honey” was a hit. What was the inspiration for the song?

“Honey Honey” really helped our band get heard. The inspiration really from all of our songs are relationships or even memories. The song sounds super happy but it’s kinda sad when you hear the lyrics. You try everything to keep the girl that is actually driving you insane lol.

Any future projects for fans to get excited about?

Right now we are working on some singles and then we are gonna release an EP. We are just trying to reach as many people as we can. - WIMITLA