Luna Grey scores big with her new single “Gumball”. It follows on the heels of a recent spate of releases for this young performer while solidifying her claim as one of the best new performers working in indie-pop today. She isn’t due to be consigned to indie pop status for long, however, as “Gumball” shows a continuing accumulation of both confidence and skill. This confluence is sure to propel her to even greater heights than before and virtually ensures that her ongoing crossover appeal will further develop. She is a spectacularly talented performer with an individualistic vocal approach and newcomers will relish her distinctive take on well-established pop formulas.
The arrangement is canny, I especially like how Grey utilizes the song’s percussion as practically a duet partner. She tailors her vocals to wrap around the slinky beats laden throughout the song and her vocal works, as well, in concert with the various keyboard/synth touches. There are subtle secondary vocal flourishes and fills added along the way. They are never empty adornments, however, but instead serve to pepper the song with unostentatious touches that further distinguish the cut.
The lyrical content is completely modern. She uses contemporary language to deliver the song’s message and the conversational tone she assumes throughout the song ensures that it will connect with the target audience. It’s obvious she’s aiming at a younger crowd with the song, there’s no fault in that, but it never comes at the expense of the lyrics or musical content. The balance between musical content and words is ideal.
It’s defined by her vocal presence. Grey’s voice isn’t conventionally beautiful, but she manifests genuine presence in my ears, and like how the camera loves some film stars, you can’t turn away when she’s singing. Her idiosyncratic phrasing is a high point of the song for me and not because it simply draws our attention. It’s a high point because it enhances the lyrics and conveys her audible personality rather than simply serving as a placeholder for the musical content.
The production does a superb job of spotlighting these elements. Balance is, once again, the key for success as there’s never a second when it feels like the vocal or musical arrangement dominates the listener’s consciousness. Everything is well-calibrated for maximum effect. The even-handed spread of this song, nothing rushed and everything measured out to an agreeable length, is arguably the single biggest factor in the song’s success. It can compel you to listen or move and such utility is surprising for a dyed in the wool pop gem.
We’ll be hearing more and even better to come from Luna Grey. Her new single “Gumball” and its accompanying video will undoubtedly pull her further into the spotlight than ever before. She’s ready. Her overall presentation of this song will surpass the expectations of those who normally shy away from such material and Grey’s longtime fans will relish this further evidence of her budding gifts. “Gumball” will find an eager and receptive audience.
Troy Joohnstone