Luna Grey’s cawing and insistent voice have instant appeal. It isn’t conventional, but she has irresistible pop chops allowing her to convey personality with each line. Her latest single “Gumball” presents the full gamut of her pop performing strengths as well as highlighting her individuality. One mistake, however, you can make with Grey is taking her superficially. She’s working in a clear pop vein without ever allowing it to sabotage her wider aims. “Gumball” is musical pop art, built to last, and has several outstanding qualities buttressing its claim to posterity’s benevolent gaze. There is an intensely autobiographical slant defining Grey’s songwriting and music that elevates it far above disposable pop.
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Her background as an abstract artist contributes mightily to the overall package. Both the video and song are full of color, the former promising it, always avoiding garishness. It displays a sharp inner eye that knows exactly what composition exerts the greatest appeal for listeners. She tunes into the musical moment. This should not imply any sort of pretentiousness, however, because “Gumball” and Grey’s performance have great physicality from beginning to end. Her balance between the variety of musical elements working here is flawless.
Her sense of song length is equally flawless. “Gumball” has a perfect tone set for the song, never going too far, and each passage has a well-honed focus. It delivers on its promise. There is never any sense of Grey overreaching and the same confident aesthetic likely informing her abstract art finds expression in her music as well. The arrangement follows its own distinctive path. You never hear any needless pomp and circumstance during the song.
She commands the brief bursts of lyrics scattered throughout the song. There is no doubt, however, that “Gumball” has a definite message and demands the listener’s attention. She’s crafted the songwriting in such a way that has genuine percussive punch rather than getting lost in the mix. Referring to the mix draws our attention, as well, to the production. “Gumball” thoroughly integrates each musical element into a larger whole and it never feels like anything less than part of the bigger scheme.
Luna Grey’s career has already experienced a significant measure of success. Her latest single positions her to reach greater heights than ever before and solidifies her claim to crossover pop notoriety. There is a back to the basics approach and thoroughly modern sound propelling this single to its inevitable conclusion, but these never clash. Every aspect of the performance stresses her steady artistic hand shaping and guiding “Gumball” towards its final form.
Her stunning physical beauty belies steely resolve and a keen observational eye beneath the pop sheen. Luna Grey has the complete presentation that pop performers today want to make a serious foray into the arena. “Gumball” is the finest exhibition of her skills yet and shows her growing by leaps and bounds rather than contenting herself with finding a comfortable formula that works. This restless need to continuously refresh her vision ensures she will be around for many years to come.
Chadwick Easton