Photo by Raz Robinson

Shapes of a new moon and cosmic signs, Ava Luna were far out there in the universe the last time we heard from the Brooklyn art-pop collective 7 years ago. Since then, vocalist and synthesist Felicia Douglass, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Carlos Hernandez, drummer Julian Fader, and bassist Ethan Bassford have all succeeded in their own separate work all while bidding farewell to former member, Kye (fka Becca Kauffman,) but together, the four have returned to Earth.

To understand how far they’ve come to ground, hearing “Frame of Us” — the first single off their forthcoming self-titled album — is like taking a stroll through the city streets right there with them. It’s musical essence is a fluid, melodious cacophony of the best of New York City’s living arts scene, with the listen putting into portrait Douglass’ air-crisp inner monologues on yesterday against the bustle of sidewalk-stepping basslines, everyday noise pollution pulling you back into the present, and a warming groove of post-punk funk to set you at ease with it all. The band’s terrestrial homecoming is a reminder that life keeps moving on even when taking a beat to consider the past. You don’t always have to look up to see new phases of the moon happening all around you either.

Directed by: Nelson Bandela

Ava Luna’s Ava Luna will be released October 3rd on Western Vinyl.