Los Angeles–based trio Moonchild have refined their sound with every release. A decade ago, the group—composed of lead singer Amber Navran and multi-instrumentalists Andris Mattson and Max Byrk—introduced their brand of jazz-inflected soul on their soothing, groove-heavy debut, Be Free. Their next three LPs fused dreamy keys with funk-inspired songs over lush instrumentation. Set against a similar backdrop, their fifth album, Starfruit, leans further into those smooth instincts while staying true to their neo-soul roots.
The album marks the first time Moonchild have had featured artists. Navran noted in a press release that they intentionally chose primarily Black women as collaborators, with a stacked guest list including North Carolina MC Rapsody, R&B mainstay Lalah Hathaway, and indie rapper Ill Camille. Their voices add a sense of vibrancy to Starfruit, an otherwise carefree record about the rocky yet rewarding experience of falling in love.
Navran’s velvety voice is the album’s anchor. Over the synths and subtly throbbing bassline of “Takes Two,” she croons to a partner: “The greatest gift that you could give to me is to leave and stay gone.” Her soft tone sounds even more pristine when paired with artists whose vocals challenge her to test the depths of her own. On the sultry opener “Tell Him,” Lalah Hathaway’s signature low register motivates Navran to toy with the delicate contrast of her falsetto. The Tank and the Bangas–assisted single “Get By,” a playful, synth-driven track, sees Navran flirting with hushed melodies alongside Tarriona “Tank” Ball’s coy raps.
The album’s subdued beats and airy vocals almost beg for extended instrumental jam sessions. But only the closing track, “The Long Way,” aided by a sax solo from jazz musician Josh Johnson, rewards that desire. With Starfruit, Moonchild settle into their groove, further smoothing out their sound while celebrating the voices that inspired them along the way.
Buy: Rough Trade
