The Moonsets - The Moonsets

The Moonsets

The Moonsets
self-released; 2019

​3.9 out of 5

By Isabelle Rizo

Self-proclaimed folk funksters, The Moonsets (formerly The Flumes) dropped their new self-titled album The Moonsets and it is a journey of eclectic layers, complexity and world music. Kayt Wallace as main vocalist and electric harp player is joined by Andrea Joy Norden on drums and songwriting partner Stephan Beattie on bass and guitar. True to their high vibe lyrics and music, they independently produced and recorded using 100% solar power.

​"Firefly" is the opening song that captures an upbeat spirit, worldly lyrics as well as that unique electric harp and guitar fusion. It has a catchy beat that reminds me of the world music curated by Putumayo.

We step into a more ethereal and Caribbean sound in "Supersede." Harp, vocals and percussion take over in this second song. It is playful, sensual and slowed way down. "Follow the Dollar" has a more Spanish flamenco vibe. A bit dark, a bit sexy. "When the power you hold is measured in gold, it will slip out your fingers..." A threat, but more like a wise heeded warning. The electric harp and chorus come together in this more latin-inspired chant.

The percussion takes flight in "Home." Percussion is the root and rhythm of songs, so it adds another layer of poetry and creative success that they are the featured instrument. We get a little electric harp as treble support, and the vocals almost casting a spell on really defining what home is.

The Moonsets merge a lot of indie jazz, experimental and electric harp in "Llokesh" which is a fun story about a llama that loves bananas. The vocals are gritty, the cymbals are present, and the electric harp combines with some drowned out guitar to get into a more psychedelic groove.

The last song on the album to round it all out includes what sounds like panpipes, percussion and just a tiny bit of that electric harp. It is a mid-to-up tempo blues infused tune about the overarching and redemptive power of love. Penned by long term collaborator John Goodson (Astronaut Launch Party), it is arranged by and sung as a duet by Wallace and Beattle.

Surreal, psychedelic, and worldly this band has a creative flow and eclectic edge similar to the curated music of Putumayo. They have unique and playful lyrics, and fantastic chemistry between all instruments.

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