Dublin based, Italian born artist Donatella Camedda (vocals/guitar) comes to us as a fully formed artist. Adopting the name Aryel Moon she is now ready to release her second single ‘Eulogy’. Drawing heavily on the flannel-soaked rock coming out of Seattle in the 90’s. Aryel Moon cite Hole, L7 and Babes In Toyland as influences alongside contemporary sounds from St Vincent and PJ Harvey to help shape their sound. ‘Eulogy’ draws on the influences, passes them through the Aryel Moon prism and projects something entirely unique. Coming in at 3 minutes, the track doesn’t waste a second in making it’s point. Lyrically, Donatella delves into her past to help vanquish demons that circle from previous trauma of manipulation and abuse. Through this primal scream of emotion, she is able to find liberation and rebirth.
When it comes to writing this is done in isolation by Donatella, preferring intimate moments alone to craft the song and hone melodies and lyrics before she brings it to the band. ‘Eulogy’ was one of the first songs Donatella penned for the project, and was completed before the band took the form we know today. To help bring the song to life Donatella turned to Stefano Vita(bass), with guitars and bass split between the two. Then, to give the song its heartbeat drums were handled by Nicolas Segio Raiman who recorded remotely in Argentina. For Donatella the writing process isn’t complete until the band adds depth and energy to the song, a punctuation mark that helps drive home the intent and underpin the emotion. The live band is now completed by Luca Masi (electric guitar) and Nando Alonso(drums).
From the outset ‘Eulogy’ is heavy with emotion, there are definite swathes of a young Courtney Love in the vocal delivery and melodic choice. A short, restrained intro of guitar and vocals that beg the question ‘Is this the end?’ and allude to being trapped without an end in sight. Nicolas’s drums join with a heavy tom groove that pushes the song forward. The band eschew a standard verse/chorus verse approach here opting instead to let the song build into crescendo after crescendo, each movement feels like a new wave hitting and crashing against the rocks. ‘Eulogy’ is a harrowing cry for freedom while being trapped in a seemingly unending oppressive situation. Donatella says; ‘Eulogy is a song about the suffocating effects of domestic abuse, manipulation, and gaslighting. Having your identity consumed to the point where you no longer recognise yourself, as if looking into empty mirrors.’ Dark as it is the song is subtly laced in hope, ending the cycle of abuse and in this finding rebirth.
Eulogy was recorded in November 2024 by Donatella and Stefano in the producer’s home studio in Dublin. The intimate setting allowed for a focused and collaborative process, with the two working closely to shape the overall vibe and sonic identity of the track. The artwork for Eulogy is a deeply personal and symbolic image for Donatella, taken on a beach on a grey, overcast day, with muted tones and a dominant presence of black to evoke the feeling of grief, mourning, and emotional entrapment. The beach, even though it’s not fully visible, plays a silent role in grounding the image in a raw, natural space — reflecting the emotional bareness and rebirth that Eulogy represents.
Aryel Moon channels the grit and emotion of ’90s alt-rock through a modern lens, blending grunge, punk energy, and poetic depth. With a velvety voice that soars and scars, this is a strong debut from the band, who will no doubt take their place amongst the burgeoning grunge scene currently quietly taking hold in Ireland.
Catch Aryel Moon live:
16th May at Toale’s, Dundalk
7th June, Balbriggan Pride Festival
25th July, McDowell’s, Dublin
Photo credit – annalogue.jpeg