Home / Arts and Entertainment / Grace Ives: Big Sounds, Small Packages
Grace Ives: Big Sounds, Small Packages
13 Oct
Summary
- Grace Ives' new album 'Janky Star' expands sound without losing brevity.
- The album features a blend of synth-pop, R&B grooves, and alt-pop.
- Ives explores themes of tranquility and managing sensory overload on the record.
New York pop songwriter Grace Ives has released her second album, "Janky Star," which significantly broadens her musical palette. While known for her concise, pocket-sized pop songs, Ives successfully integrates grander ideas and diverse instrumentation, including guitar and piano, into the album's compact structure. This evolution demonstrates her continued mastery of crafting impactful music within a limited frame, resulting in what critics are calling one of the year's finest small pop albums.
On "Janky Star," Ives delves into themes of seeking slowness and tranquility, a notable feat for an artist who experiences sensory overload from songs longer than two minutes. She navigates this challenge with calming vocal performances and expansive synth arrangements, as heard on tracks like "Isn't It Lovely." The album also explores R&B grooves and the benefits of sobriety on "Lazy Day," emphasizing a mindful approach to living.
While Ives embraces her energetic side on alt-pop tracks like "On the Ground," the album's standout moments, such as the single "Loose," expertly balance her signature electronic beats with dynamic vocal unspooling. This song, starting with familiar 505 groovebox sounds, transitions into exhilarating breakbeats, showcasing her ability to blend her established style with new sonic territories and vocal expressiveness.
