Salt
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
Kaitlin Milroy and Alex Millaire, i.e. Moonfruits, return with their sophomore album, and it’s a diverse and distinct version of modern folk sounds that welcomes many players for the orchestral and chamber nods that are quite striking.
“Brittle Earth” starts the listen with a very unique version of Americana, where playful banjo and glowing vocal harmonies unfold amid much atmosphere, and “Pretzel Bell” follows with more presence on drumming in the dreamy folk delivery that’s layered precisely.
In the middle, “Loki” uses acoustic guitar strategically alongside the expressive singing and lush textures, while “Ladder Song” focuses on the agile voices in a darker landscape of creative chamber folk prowess.
Close to the end, the frisky and old time feel of “Seven Billion” makes this the album’s best, and the very pretty “Moon Cradle” finishes with a mesmerizing appeal that’s sublime balladry at its finest.
Though Millaire’s rugged baritone, and Milroy’s choral-experienced mezzo are certainly the focus here, the violin, harp and double bass certainly complement the song craft superbly, as Moonfruits make the most of the 12 focused tracks.
Travels well with: Ollee Owens- Through The Darkest Night; Lunar Bloom- Lunar Bloom