Vernon pop ingénue Olivia Penalva goes for the anthemic and celestial on her new EP, Weightless. The young singer/songwriter’s radio-friendly songs are informed by balladry, electronica and some acoustic jazziness, and her material goes for the hook always.
Weightless’ vocal-driven singer/songwriter vibe allows Penalva’s mellow growl to shine and she comes through as a potent vocal presence.
As evidenced on the title track and throughout the rest of the recording, Penalva is adept at layering vocal tracks to create harmony and choral effects. She also uses the technique to create call and response with her throaty voice in a manner similar to Nelly Furtado. It makes Weightless a big-sounding album with a range of depth. Penalva shows restraint and uses her voice as an instrument that intertwines with itself.
Penalva also has a solid ear for a pop hook. Outshine the Stars hints at a dramatic concert hall power ballad but is shifted by the sunny mood of the lyrics. The most evocative song on the album is Skyline. It places Penalva’s vocal in a futuristic electro pop setting where it shines with promise. The song’s ambiance wraps around her voice as she pushes for an otherworldly vocal hook. It’s a song that works its way into your consciousness to leave an impression, as does the overall impression of Penalva’s material on Weightless.
– Dean Gordon-Smith is a Vernon-based musician who reviews the latest music in Street Sounds for The Morning Star every Friday.