Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Luna Keller – Paper Moon (2024)

Deeply emotional and provocative, singer-songwriter Luna Keller tackles reality from its tragedy to radiant beauty. In each song, she grapples with despair, darkness and the grittiness of life; however, just as the desperate mire exists, so does bright optimism, resilience and hopefulness. Navigating a world of depression from highs to lows, Keller shared intimate experiences in her well-received album Ocean Inside Of Me, and she continues to delve into our souls with her latest single ‘Paper Moon’.

Following the single ‘Free’ (a collaboration with musician Kevin Maple), Germany-based Keller collaborates once again on ‘Paper Moon’ – this time with the US-based artist Jory Avner. A duo made in heaven, Avner and Keller draw together their natural talent for sharing intimate stories courageously exploring the human condition. Keller shares that “…Jory’s songs…manages to hit you with the spaces between the lines unlike anyone else; Avner continues, “working with Luna on this song has been a deeply enriching experience…”

As with all of her songs, Keller’s work is not only melodic but immersive. In ‘Paper Moon’, she and Avner hold your hand as you take your first step on a bare dusty path prepared to face whatever comes your way. Smooth and flowing, the acoustic concoction of strings (courtesy of Harley Eblen), piano and guitar breathes life into a vintage folk tune; however, while there is a folk element, ‘Paper Moon’ pushes the genre to its limits highlighting their innovative natures. For me, the single opens with a barebones sparseness, but the progression to a cacophony of strings makes the track kaleidoscopic – a warm squeezing of your hand as you run toward the bright light ahead.

The tune is sensational showcasing Keller and Avner’s masterful understanding of emotional melodies. While the instrumentation grabs your heart, it is the interplay of the vocals that make the song intricately intimate and intense. Keller explains that ‘Paper Moon’ is “…about being worn out by the same destructive cycles and struggling to find meaning…”; however, there is a reflective clarity in the vulnerable piece. A beautiful ballad, each singer explores inner turmoil and challenges, but duality exists as delicate fragility shines with a calming, optimistic and hopeful sheen.


Find out more about Luna Keller on her official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify

Find out more about Jory Avner on his Spotify.


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