Ava Luna – Ava Luna (Translucent Grape)

Ava Luna’s self-titled album is an introspective and grounded collection that marks a significant evolution for the quartet. The acclaimed group – now consisting of Carlos Hernandez, Julian Fader, Ethan Bassford, and Felicia Douglass – has stripped back their sound to its core. Following the departure of Kye (fka Becca Kauffman) in 2019, Ava Luna re-emerges with a focus on the fundamental elements of drums, bass, and the dual vocals of Carlos and Felicia. The new album is decidedly Earth-bound, drawing heavily on the members’ shared experiences and their deep roots in New York City. At the heart of the album is the rhythmic interplay between Julian Fader’s drums and Ethan Bassford’s bass, forming a “close to the earth, melting into the sidewalk” foundation. This deliberate focus on the rhythm section was a key part of their creative process, ensuring the songs could stand strong in their most stripped-down format before any additional layers were introduced. Julian specifically cites Soul Coughing as an influence, particularly their use of crude sampling, which can be heard scattered throughout the record, including on “Frame of Us,” where their powerful rhythm section.