Toronto-based duo MOONRIIVR return with “Force of Habit,” an upbeat yet emotionally charged indie rock single that blends 60s-inspired kraut rock textures with surf and indie sensibilities. Equal parts nostalgic and explosive, the track traces a path from loss and desperation toward release, building into a cathartic, noise-driven finale that refuses to look back. It’s the second single to be shared from their forthcoming album, MOONRIIVR Vol. 2, out later this year, and follows November 2025’s “You Get Me By.”

At its core, “Force of Habit” is “…about letting go of the past and searching for a new way forward,” the band explains. That emotional arc drives the song’s momentum. What begins as reflective and restrained gradually unravels into beautiful, noisy chaos.

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

Our new single ‘Force of Habit’ is a bit of a departure for us.  It’s more angular in the vein of Television with a strain of Krautrock rooted in the Neu! world, with a little taste of Joy Division sprinkled in for good measure.

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

This new release builds upon the more driving elements of our last record and continues to strive to tell a story in a simple framework with as few elements as possible.  We both connect with sparse music that relies on space to help move it forward.

• What about this single makes you most proud?

I love the excitement that the song has, it feels driving without ever hitting you over the head.

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Share new music and grow our community. Make a little space for others and ourselves to keep making art.

• What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

The feeling of connection to something bigger than myself, sometimes that’s a connection with other people…musicians, audience etc.  Other times it’s less tangible, leaving yourself open to the unknown.

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I’d love to make music with John Cale.  His work with the Velvet Underground, Modern Lovers, Brian Eno, the Smiths and his own solo records are bit touching points for me musically.

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The last song I listened to was Lodi by CCR.  I’m in the throws of a studio overhaul and I always like to listen to CCR when I’m doing construction!

• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

You can find us on the internet and on tour!

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

You never know what’s around the next corner, sometimes that can be daunting and other times inspiring.  I just keep trying to put the kind of energy into the world that I would like to get back.