Joviale’s “Moonshine” sounds like spring unleashed

In 2021, the London-based pop shape-shifter Joviale released an exquisite EP called Hurricane Belle that got them some early press from us, as well as some other outlets. Their last release came in 2022, a textural ballad of sitars, rushing wind, and glittering piano called “UW4GM” (or, you won’t forget me). Today, they resurface with their latest song “Moonshine,” a much more grounded but still dazzling experience. Riding the line between funk and dance, it’s an indication they’ve only gotten better in the last few years.

“Moonshine” also marks Joviale’s new signing to the renowned indie label Ghostly International, and was co-created with some very talented people like John Carroll Kirby (Solange, Remi Wolf, Miley Cyrus), Jkarri, and Kwaku Konadu. In a press release, they say they were trying to channel the likes of Chaka Khan and Sheila E while recording the song, and those influences are audible — not just in husky glam of their vocals but also in the song’s innately joyous energy. Spring has finally hit New York City, and “Moonshine” is one of the first songs to make me want to run out the door and unleash. Watch Joviale do the same in the Aqsa Quereshi-directed video, below.