Various Artists – ‘Autumn’ [Album Review]

On September 21st, the Fall Equinox, Möonbabe Records released its most recent seasonal compilation album, Autumn, a 17-track collection of songs from a diverse group of gifted artists that reflect the mystical energy of autumn.

Ranging from folk to chill electronic music, the artists on Autumn offer personal interpretations of autumn’s significance to them.

Möonbabe’s founder, Heather Christie, explains, “Fall is, admittedly, our favourite season. As we get cozy and sip our spiced lattes, we at Möonbabe Records also get down to work, recording new material and harvesting the creative fruits of the year. This time of year also signifies a moment to slow down, go inward, and prepare for the depth of winter. These songs, featured in our third compilation album of the year, are a beautiful, eclectic array of different artists’ interpretations of that slower, more contemplative autumn energy.”

From a purely subjective viewpoint, entry points on Autumn include Lucia Lilikoi’s softly coasting “Grace of In Between,” an enchanting folk tune laced with tints of pop savours and gorgeous strings. Sighing with translucent timbres, Lilikoi’s vocals weave a magical sonic tapestry.

“Stenar Som Pengar,” the gently beautiful offering from Emma Lucia, pulsates with low-slung, glowing textures as Lucia’s delicate voice imbues the lyrics with warm colors. While Heather Christie’s “After the Fire” rides a slower, luscious staccato rhythm topped by her evocative, crystalline vocals, giving the tune a sumptuous tenderness.

Blending elements of soul, R&B, and exotic touches, Arula’s “Together” provides a lush, swaying motion, highlighted by Arula’s seductive tones. Featuring MonsterLuna and Julz the Huntress, Divasonic’s “Aligned” travels on crisp percussion as a floating rapping flow merges with delicious, melodic surfaces.

Moonbabe, photo by Rose Dayal of Ritual Welness

A personal favourite because of its suspended feel, Melita’s “Breathing In,” produced by Entheo, reveals subtle, chiming accents and sweeping strings. There’s a bewitching pull to Entheo’s slightly breathy voice, like an enchantress beckoning to her lover.

Another gem, and one not to be missed simply because of the exquisite, rounded tones of her voice, is EIR’s “Wildfire.”

An overwhelmingly pleasing album, Autumn explores the panoply of moods and auras engendered by the transition from summer to fall.

Autumn Track Listing:

1. Grace of In Between
2. Stars
3. Stenar Som Pengar
4. I Am the Earth
5. After the Fire
6. Rainbow Body – Heather Christie Edit
7. Durgaya
8. Together
9. Move Like Wolves
10. Aligned
11. I Let Go
12. Breathing In
13. Neverland
14. Wildfire
15, Magnetize
16. Nefertiti
17. Tune In

Run Time: 70:00
Release Date: September 21, 2024
Record Label: Möonbabe Records