Album Reviews: Maya Hawke // MOSS

Mom + Pop Music

4.2 STARS

The question really is, would we be talking about this album if it were done by someone else? The fact is that the fearful symmetry of reviewing not one but two albums made by the cast of Stranger Things, not to mention the staff of that universe's Scoops Ahoy, was utterly irresistible. The almost frustrating reality is that this album is pretty damn lovable. Reading like Phoebe Bridgers on antidepressants, MOSS is objectively a lot of fun. The indie-folk guitar chimes mixed with Hawke's layered vocal harmonies are intoxicating. Unquestionably the child of supreme privilege, Hawke's father is actor Ethan Hawke, and her mother is Uma Thurman. Rightfully a model and a standout actress, Hawke is becoming a household name in her own right. While it may be frustrating to the general masses, there's no disputing that celebrity offspring can make some seriously great music (a la Josh Brolin's daughter Eden's fantastic band Atta Boy and Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline's daughter Greta, better known as Frankie Cosmos). Whether it's knowing the right people, or buying your way into the press (still waiting for my check, by the way), this album might just be one of my favorites of the year, no matter who made it.