If I were one of those more pedantic writers, I would probably be giving you a potted history of the early eighties post-punk scene and what does and doesn’t constitute dream-pop. Thankfully, I’m not one to get hung up on such labels and am happy to let the lush sounds of Ava Valianti’s latest single wash over me and work its magic. Labels change, if they ever really meant anything outside the offices of music papers in the first place.
And magic is the right word; “Birthday Cake” is a cinematic, seductive single made at the place where dreamscapes past meet pop futures, ambient artistry meets indie-pop poise. Call it what you will, all that matters is the gorgeousness found in its myriad mellifluous music.
It is fair to say that it is music made beyond her tender years, and few listening to this succulent slice would have put her at the tender age of 16, not when so many artists in her age group are still clearly way behind on the learning curve. Not only does “Birthday Cake” sonically feel the product of an older, wiser, more mature music maker, but the fact that the song’s lyrics are not the simple celebration that the title suggests, but a marker of our passage through life, and a reminder of the expectations and obligations that go with it, speaks volumes about how far ahead of the competition she is.
This third single from her forthcoming EP, to follow in May, would be a stunning release at any age, so, given that she is merely three years into her career and already able to deliver such deep and meaningful, lush and luxurious alt-pop…for want of a better word…means that every discerning music fan needs to be watching her next steps extremely closely.
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