Dova Lewis – Self Titled
Dova Lewis’ self-titled debut EP is here to bring a little love to our aching souls, by letting us know that she once ached the way we do now. Growing up in Canada, the singer/songwriter/pianist/composer (she does a LOT) was always surrounded by music thanks to her parents who implored her to make it an important part of her life, she certainly took those sentiments to hear as the entire EP is a symphonic battle cry for other women to follow their bleeding hearts to whatever path they want to walk.
The whole EP is sure to bring a smile to your face and you can listen to it right now on Soundcloud and you can hear the major single “Dreamer” on Spotify right now. “Dreamer” recently won the 2021 Women’s Freedom Song Contest and for obvious reasons. It’s just a bop that listening to it is like watching something like Katy Perry’s fireworks, not so much in terms of content, but just existing in a moment where you’re watching an artist already working in their prime and crafting something with such strong legs I want so many people to listen to and discover this song.
It also comes with a hypnotic music video you can find on youtube which sees the singer shrouded and distorted while an accompanying dancer acting as an almost mythological figure moves to every beat and rhythm on the track. All of the hard work that Lewis has put in over the years for her music is on display here and her voice is just as finely tuned an instrument as you hear on this album.
“Dreamer” sees her at her most expressive alternating between highs and lows and every time she says the titular word, it gave me chills with how much conviction is in her voice. She’s also a fantastic lyricist who knows exactly how to zig-zag and the songs never feel static and have a clear sense of escalation, even in more quiet pieces like “California“. Each of these songs is so good, any one of them could easily be a hit single in their own right, but “Dreamer” makes sense because it’s the crowd-pleaser, the showstopper
The opener “Lies” is jazzy and dark, but it almost feels a little out of touch with the more intimate and inspiring work, not saying she can’t do introspective on the dark side, but she seems much more in her element when she’s building up and not knocking down, even if who she’s knocking down in the song very easily deserves it. Precisely mixed and mastered with admittedly basic instrumental choices that are good on their own, but it’s the power and performance of Lewis that elevates them with her sheer presence and pathos.
If you enjoyed Dreamer, check out the official website for Dova Lewis by clicking here. Give her a like on Facebook by clicking here. Click here for a list of various ways to listen to & purchase the self titled EP.
