Following a 2021 EP and a few other releases, acclaimed duo Babehoven are now offering up their debut album. Light Moving Time, out as of Friday on Double Double Whammy, is a nearly-hypnotic release in spots. And it's also the sort of thing that's both Art Rock and accessible.
Maya Bon and Ryan Albert conjure up moods here, and nearly every track at least compels. Opener "Break the Ice" is lyrical and quietly windswept, even as "I'm on Your Team" shines a light on Maya's vocal strengths. The stark number should earn a few comparisons to Angel Olsen's work, and that should be read as a huge compliment. Elsewhere, "Stand It" and "Pockets" have a sort of fuzzy glory about them, enough that I think some of these two numbers should make a listener think of early Slowdive.
Babehoven are not necessarily dream pop, but they are interested in mood. And while the elegantly simple "Philadelphia" is heartfelt, it's also beautifully simple. Maya Bon is a wonderfully emphatic singer, and whether the instrumentation is barebones or lush, she delivers. Ryan Albert is a worthy partner, and the pair make the music of Babehoven something special in many spots here on Light Moving Time.
Light Moving Time by Babehoven is out now.
[Photo: Jessica Chappe]