Album Review: Maya Hawke, MOSS

Hailed by the songsmith, actress and model as her “back to school” record, Maya Hawke’s second LP, MOSS, sees her explore themes of childhood, regret, rebirth and acceptance over the course of 13 folk minded tracks. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Folklore, it’s a wistful, occasionally world weary, and regularly wonderful listen. The Stranger Things star has also learned a few things since the release of her warmly received 2020 debut Blush too.

She’s more confident in her croon (‘Restless Moon’) and flirts with a fuller sound, augmenting some songs with subtle splashes of synth or strings. Standouts include the alt-pop-tinged ‘South Elroy,’ and the simple but effective ‘Luna Moth’ which focuses on Hawke’s gift for story-telling and penning lyrics that will stay with you long after the record stops spinning. If you’ve got albums by the likes of Devendra Banhart and Regina Spektor in your collection, then you’ll pick up what’s she’s laying down.

7/10