Anthony Presti has never been the kind of songwriter to stay in one lane, and “Lemon Moon” feels like the natural result of a lifetime spent collecting stories, memories, and influences from every chapter of his journey. Recorded at the Lemon Moon Cottage in Sebastopol, California, the EP carries the relaxed atmosphere of the place where it was created. Turning a favorite getaway into a recording space gave these songs room to breathe, and that easygoing spirit is present from beginning to end. One of the highlights is “Simple Things”, a song that Anthony Presti had performed live in different forms for years before finally capturing the version it always deserved. Bringing in Sonoma County rock band Blue Radio, along with longtime drummer Rob Matteri, proved to be a great decision. The performance feels lively and genuine, with every musician contributing to a recording that sounds like it came together through real chemistry rather than careful calculation. It is the kind of song that reminds you how rewarding simple arrangements can be when the people behind them truly connect.
The collaborative approach continues throughout the EP. Aubrey Whitfield brings a polished touch to “Her Eyes”, while Ryan Hayes worked remotely with Presti on “Never Gonna Be Famous”, “Ghosts Inside My Head”, and “Sitting on a Wave”. Even with different people helping shape individual tracks, the record never loses its identity. Every song still feels connected by Presti’s honest songwriting and his gift for writing melodies that stay with you long after the music stops. The closing track, “When You’re Down”, is another memorable moment. Featuring longtime friend Dan Dectis on keyboards and Jocelyn Levy on vocals, it wraps up the EP with warmth and sincerity. It feels less like a grand finale and more like the perfect conversation at the end of a meaningful day, leaving a lasting impression without trying too hard.
Presti’s background naturally finds its way into these songs. Growing up around Seattle’s grunge era, discovering punk after moving to Northern California, and later embracing acoustic songwriting all helped shape his creative voice. You can hear traces of those experiences throughout “Lemon Moon”, yet nothing feels borrowed or out of place. The record sounds comfortable in its own skin, allowing every influence to exist naturally. One thing I really enjoyed about “Lemon Moon” is how personal it feels without becoming overly sentimental. The songs invite you into Anthony Presti’s world, but they also leave plenty of space for listeners to connect through their own memories and experiences. I also appreciated that the EP never feels like it is trying to prove anything. It simply offers well-written songs performed with heart, and that honesty becomes its greatest strength.
“Lemon Moon” is an EP worth spending time with. Whether you have followed Anthony Presti’s career for years or this is your first introduction to his music, these songs deserve a place in your listening rotation. Follow Anthony Presti to keep up with future releases and live performances, revisit this EP often, and don’t forget to add your favorite tracks from “Lemon Moon” to your playlists. Independent artists grow through the support of listeners who share the music they love, and this is one of those releases that deserves to reach as many ears as possible.
