Moonchild's fifth studio effort is a pleasant contradiction. On one hand, the California trio offer comforting sameness: warm, soothing coffee shop soul, anchored by lead singer Amber Navran's trademark feather-light vocals. On the other hand, the group reinvent themselves with new synths, experimental audio effects and the best new addition: artist features. The combination of old and new makes for a fresh sound that still feels cozily familiar.
Like their previous albums, Moonchild keep Starfruit's mood even-keeled from beginning to end. The music is heartfelt, yes, but there are no vigorous rises or falls. This is both the album's charm and its main flaw: while its steadiness does make for the perfect lazy Sunday listen, at times the album blurs the line between consistent and stagnant. For better or worse, it's the kind of music that can play in the background without stealing too much attention.
To that effect, no one song on Starfruit grabs the spotlight entirely. But there are a few tracks worthy of a repeat, like the gentle, innocent tale of love's beginnings on "Too Good." "By Now" blends faint whispers of gospel with its motivational claps and uplifting lyrics; Navran animates this track with a spirited vocal performance. "Last Time" is hypnotic and unhurried, bringing horn, bass and flute together in a perfect, boozy blend.
The album's features add some dimension to the project and serve as a stretch exercise for Moonchild. Alex Isley's airy voice tucks itself seamlessly on "You Got One," while Navran's delicate harmonies bend themselves around Lalah Hathaway's rich, husky tones on "Tell Him".
A lively verse from Snow Hill, NC, spitfire Rapsody on "Love I Need" serves as Starfruit's most energetic moment. With this one, Moonchild liven up their approach to match her pace as a thumping beat and punchy bassline drive the track forward. Cleverly, though, the band leaves tranquil pockets for Navran's delicate melodies to shine.
Feeling good from the first track, and maintaining that pleasantness throughout, Starfruit gently pushes Moonchild forward, but not radically enough to disappoint long-time fans.
(Tru Thoughts)Like their previous albums, Moonchild keep Starfruit's mood even-keeled from beginning to end. The music is heartfelt, yes, but there are no vigorous rises or falls. This is both the album's charm and its main flaw: while its steadiness does make for the perfect lazy Sunday listen, at times the album blurs the line between consistent and stagnant. For better or worse, it's the kind of music that can play in the background without stealing too much attention.
To that effect, no one song on Starfruit grabs the spotlight entirely. But there are a few tracks worthy of a repeat, like the gentle, innocent tale of love's beginnings on "Too Good." "By Now" blends faint whispers of gospel with its motivational claps and uplifting lyrics; Navran animates this track with a spirited vocal performance. "Last Time" is hypnotic and unhurried, bringing horn, bass and flute together in a perfect, boozy blend.
The album's features add some dimension to the project and serve as a stretch exercise for Moonchild. Alex Isley's airy voice tucks itself seamlessly on "You Got One," while Navran's delicate harmonies bend themselves around Lalah Hathaway's rich, husky tones on "Tell Him".
A lively verse from Snow Hill, NC, spitfire Rapsody on "Love I Need" serves as Starfruit's most energetic moment. With this one, Moonchild liven up their approach to match her pace as a thumping beat and punchy bassline drive the track forward. Cleverly, though, the band leaves tranquil pockets for Navran's delicate melodies to shine.
Feeling good from the first track, and maintaining that pleasantness throughout, Starfruit gently pushes Moonchild forward, but not radically enough to disappoint long-time fans.
