Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Ava Maria Safai - We've Got Issues

10/4/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ava Maria Safai

​
We've Got Issues
self-released; 2018

​4.0 out of 5

By Jay Freeman

Before turning even one year old, Ava Maria Safai began her musical career with piano lessons under the direction of her parents, both accomplished instructors. And then, at still the young age of three, she began formal classical vocal lessons. Since that time, she has received numerous awards and distinctions for her operatic, music theatre, jazz and pop performances. This year, Safai began recording her debut album We’ve Got Issues and has already completed the songwriting for her second follow-up album.

We’ve Got Issues
is a culmination of Safai’s life between the ages of 12 to 19 years old and at those tender ages, her songwriting covers a lot of ground: mental health, losing loved ones, addiction, mass tragedy and other experiences close to her heart. Musically, Safai starts by structuring each song behind the piano and then later, adding strings, guitars, basses and drums. Each instrument added or not, depends on the mood Safai wants to convey within that song. The album was recorded and mixed in North Vancouver, BC at Ava Music & Art Centre Ltd. under the direction of engineer Justin Brown. It was mastered by Matty Harris in Los Angeles.

The “City of Angels” is of course what some call Los Angeles, but Safai doesn’t actually mention LA by name at all in the album’s opener. Instead, she sings about the loss of someone close. The heaviest heartfelt lyrics I thought were – “It’s been too long to keep on dancing under waterfalls / and I keep crying my own oceans.” Musically, the album starts with piano and violin and a sad feeling overall, and rightly so. Drums and backing vocal tracks are added later. “Alive & Well” starts off again with piano and Safai doing a talk-singing-talk delivery, showcasing her theatrical talent and timing. My best guess as to what this number is about, is a tragedy involving children in a community.

On “Addicted to You” Safai sings straightforward words about being madly in love with someone despite hating them – “I can’t imagine living in a world without you.” Musically, this one features mostly piano and vocals. The ending lyric cuts to the quick – “I hate you, but I’m still addicted to you.” “Supergirl” begins with piano and a solid drum beat inside a ballad styled song. Safai’s words say here that she knows she has to learn to let go and that she’s not perfect, but that’s ok. A lot of mixed emotions are inside this one and stylistically, it reminded me of Adele’s work.

The shortest song on the album “Black & Blues” has some of the most powerful, heart tugging song lyrics I’ve read in a long time – “When you hurt me, I never felt the pain / I kept singing through black and blues and in the midst of all the rain…” I mean, whoa. Sometimes the best lyrics are the ones that get straight to the point. This song delivers and is one not to be missed. “Civil War” offers up more socially conscious lyrics. Safai’s words had more universal appeal which stems from the song’s general title.

“Broken Melody” had an interesting vibe musically, with programmed drums, strings and additional vocals added. So, I thought it more dynamic and daring than the other songs. The lyrics suggest a toxic relationship. “Finding Hope” has a deep soulful and inspiring feeling, both musically and lyrically. In my view, this was Safai’s strongest song vocally. The strings really got to me, but eh… I’m a softy. Another song not to be missed and it clearly was my favorite. “Skin & Bones” steps it up with a back and forth rhythm on piano and a steady drum beat. The words to the song suggest rape or at the very least, a terribly bad relationship.

The last tune “The Road Less Traveled” begins with vocal harmonies and a piano that fades in. I really liked this one musically and how the instruments and vocals were arranged. Safai sings about treasured memories long past and leaving behind someone you loved deeply, or maybe in the case of this song, that loved one has left you. Either way, a tender melodic ballad that touches the heart. No doubt Ava Maria Safai has had some issues, but haven’t we all? All kidding aside, her debut tugs at the heart and gets to what it means to be human – the hurt, the pain, the loss, the love. But despite the heartache, she leaves room for acceptance and understanding.

official website
instagram
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Got My Gigs

Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact