A second life in technicolor, Luna and the Gents bring vintage pop back to play

The following feature is now included in our online magazine which is also available in print.

Issue #10

There’s something rather brave about a band that chooses joy rather than irony. Luna and The Gents don’t use vintage music as a costume or a clever trick. With *On Second Life (Part I)*, they tackle swing, jazz, rockabilly, and old pop from the 1940s and onward with genuine affection. The result is an EP that’s light on its feet and well-crafted, with a lot of well-written songs that smile rather than wink too hard. *Second Life (Part I)*, released January 23, 2026, brings together five previously released singles and a longer version of chanson “Je Ne Peux Pas T’Oublier” that serves as both a centerpiece and a quiet emotional anchor. Over six tracks, the Basel-based project produces a sound that references mid-century pop but never sounds stuck there. The grooves are great for dancing to, and the melodies are simple and accessible. The arrangements are generous to all the instruments, and nothing feels cluttered. Nothing feels like it overstays its welcome. Frontwoman Luna, whose real name is Evelyne Pequignot, carries all these tracks off with an ease that never veers off into theatrics. Her voice is light but grounded, playful but not flimsy. She knows how to work a lyric, when to emphasize and when to let it float past. That’s what keeps all this from veering off into parody. Even at its most upbeat, there’s a steady hand at work.

The EP kicks off with a strong sense of energy and charm, reminiscent of early post-war pop music designed to lift the spirits without losing sight of the importance of feeling. The rhythms swing gently instead of hitting home with a harder edge. The guitars shimmer instead of shouting their presence. There’s a touch of country woven into the edges, subtle enough to be felt instead of heard. It’s music designed for movement, but also for close listening.

What makes Second Life (Part I) stand out is the level of care taken with the visual side of things. Each track has an official music video, creating a sense of a cohesive set that expands upon the stories hinted at through the music. The main video, Doggy, is perhaps the best representation of the EP’s overall feeling. It has a playful, vintage look to it, designed to be old-fashioned without feeling over-styled. The visuals don’t compete with the music; they’re an extension of it, allowing the listener to get inside the band’s world another way.

It’s a sense of music that feels part of a wider creative space, not a file on a music streaming service. There’s a touch of Postmodern Jukebox’s love of old forms, but without the cover versions and novelty element. There’s a sense of Caro Emerald’s early work, perhaps, or the lighter side of French pop chanson given a new lease of life for the modern home. There’s a sense of films such as Amélie or The Artist, with their love of texture, color, and gentle humor.

Je Ne Peux Pas T Oublier is worth a special mention here. Its longer form has slowed down the rhythm and given way to emotion. The French lyrics add a softness that works well against the more upbeat tracks of this EP. The arrangement remains low-key, letting the tune and vocals shine through. It’s a reminder that beneath all this swing and happiness, there is a recognition of longing too.

Second Life (Part I) also has the benefit of its format. It has six tracks, which is enough to feel like a complete piece without being overwhelming. It is like listening to a short film, rather than a series, and it is one you can easily go back to without much trouble. The fact that it is both digital and physical, on CD, is also important for people who like to hold their music, read the covers, and enjoy an album from start to finish.

Luna and The Gents are a virtual band, releasing their work solely on the internet, but it is not hard to imagine the music being enjoyed in a physical space. You can easily imagine it filling a dance floor, playing in a café on a lazy afternoon, or wafting from an open window on a pleasant summer night. They are not trying to be loud or dominant, just providing a certain atmosphere, a certain groove, and a certain level of fun without ever talking down to the listener.

In a world where music is often divided between polish and raw, Second Life (Part I) has managed to carve its own path, one based on charm and skill. It is a reminder that pop music can be fun without being empty, or nostalgic without being irrelevant. For people who want pop, want melody, want rhythm, and want a certain level of old-world charm without losing the modern touch, Luna and The Gents have created something worth spending time on.