Landing on the Moon: We Make History Now

Landing on the Moon hail from Omaha, Nebraska. Their music is as earthy and grounded as that nondescript Midwestern locale suggests. On their debut album, the quintet offer up under-produced, over-earnest indie-rock that won’t offend you but likely won’t perk your ears, either. When they settle down, they’re at their strongest. “October” rolls by as gently and prettily as a harvest moon, while “Where Have We Gone?” dials up some bona fide pathos. But the pair of singers do the band few favors. Megan L. Morgan comes across as a less-witty, less sexy Jenny Lewis, and John Klemmensen’s thick, amateurish blather suggests someone trying to emote in front of their bedroom mirror. These guys list Sunny Day Real Estate as an influence, but too often the effect is more Barenaked Ladies, minus the wit and the tunes.