Gina Graves - And We Rise (2018)

Although she bills her work as dream pop , much of what ultimately makes Gina Graves And We Rise feels like folk that s hit the trendsetting indie scene. Presenting listeners with a multifarious smorgasbord of sounds to lose oneself in, there is definitely a fresh quality about her work that could distinguish itself as dreamy. Yet, it s in Graves sweet, lilting vocals as they traverse these ethereal realms of audial delight that we are able to pull back the curtain a tad on the inspiration and inner-workings of these tracks. Therein lies a haunting, enlightened storyteller s heart, savvily traversing innovative sonic accouterments to weave new textiles onto an old, well-loved quilt.

This is no dreary affair, either, but a well-rounded reflection culminating somewhere between the realms as close as folk and jazz and as far-reaching as ambient melodies and classical trimmings. To say that the music here is varied or textured may well be a grand understatement. And We Rise is as richly produced and thoroughly realized as it is, at its barest of bones, an inspiriting collection of songs to cherish. Laser-focused on enlightenment through positivity and perseverance, Graves offers her resplendent vocals to interpret songs reflective of the ever-needed presence of hope and love in our lives.

If one instrument were at the core of And We Rise, it s the emotive melodies that Graves paints with her piano that stand out alongside her reassuring, sometimes haunting voice. Considering her bachelor s degree in piano performance, as much might be understandable. It really is a particular piece of her already brilliant arrangements that elevate them, making each song an inspiration and a standout for its own individual reason. Here, we re given the best of both realms a supreme layer of scintillating polish does not pave the way for lyrical mediocrity. Every bit of And We Rise is worth giving an ear; both ears, even.