:: Lia Ices - Grown Unknown

Lia Ices

With my first listen to Lia's music, she comes across as a singer who possesses a breathy, dramatic voice with a promising future. This album starts well, showcasing this strength along with mixing of the classic pop element and compressed beats. Lia seems in total control. By the time you get to the title track it all seems over-produced, giving the middle section of the album a very pedestrian feel. One thing, Lia does have a direct contact with her listener, delivering her words earnestly and clearly. The songs say much about negative space and creating a particular atmosphere. Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) is a guest on the track “Daphne” and he continues to be as exciting as seeing grass grow. He does absolutely nothing for me and this further dampens the standard of this record. Therefore, there is a definite imbalance as the music goes into a slow shuffle after the midway point and any delight wears off. But thinking ahead, Lia has the potential to expand her horizons with her organic voice and energy. Her songwriting will improve and we might still get growth in her personality.