Grace Ives comes up for air on her latest record, “Janky Star”. The queen of charmingly claustrophobic beats, some of the angular synths, and punchy percussion from 2019’s “2nd” resurface in her singles. However, she pairs this ear candy with pensive gaps that give her a chance to catch her breath. While she’s ornate as ever on tracks like “Loose,” other singles like “Lullaby” are mellow in comparison as her vocals melt into a shimmering laze of electro-pop. The themes Ives touches on are as complex as her composition, as she discusses sobriety, overdoses, escapism, attempting to slow down, and trying to find solid ground in a world that never stops spinning.
“Janky Star” is the new album from pop-polymath Grace Ives, following 2019’s critically acclaimed “2nd”.
The 10 tracks are full of punchy synths and unconventional rhythms, but Ives uses the quiet spaces in between to honestly reflect on her ongoing struggle to find stability and happiness. Touching on sobriety, overdoses, and the desire to escape from the realities of modern life, “Janky Star” focuses on the rewards of slowing down and finally finding a home for herself in the ever-shifting world.
The Fat Angel Sings 