#lowkey session 16 : AVA

My Owl Song put us at ease almost immediately. The melody - a combination of Kyra's pleasant humming and soft strumming, plus droplets from Zaf's keyboard - draws you in like a lullaby. When Kyra's vocals kicks in, we smile almost instinctively. And all the way through the chorus, AVA sounded like an indie dream pop band from the 2000s, swaying us with their melodic sensibilities. The catchy chorus then makes way for Omar's emotive solo, with the band in full accompaniment. And then, just when you think the song would fade away like a sweet goodbye, AVA showed another side to their music, one with subtle yet tasteful blend of emo that finished off the song with a beautiful flourish. And with that, AVA set themselves apart. Kyra's voice and vocals, Omar's colourful lead and rhythm guitarwork, Nimue and Marsya's understated rhythm section, and Zaf's versatility on the keys and guitar means that AVA's sound has all the components necessary for a sound full of layers and texture. But instead of using all that along with their ability to craft interesting melodies, hooks, and refrains to create a dreamy, shoegaze sound, they instead go on an unexpected yet interesting direction of leaning into some emo for a more adventurous sound. Silver Catfish is a great example of this - the lick and drums in the verse into the melodic singalong chorus, the second part of the two-part chorus, and the entire middle section after the second verse. Listening to AVA's low-key session reminded us of Paramore's most recent album. Like how This Is Why subverted and surprised us with new post-punk dynamism without losing their punch and catchiness, AVA takes us on a journey on this crafty streak of theirs, ending with anthemic and soaring singalong Ribs (their first single with SONY after being signed up). In a short three-song set, AVA has turned heads. That they were shades of Juliet The Orange and This Body Broken in many parts is just gravy; AVA - like their peers Wobbebong and FUAD - is a band that we need to champion and protect, because the future of local (indie) music already sounds better with them around. Setlist: My Owl Song Silver Catfish Ribs Recorded on 29-10-2022 #lowkeysessions #RAImuzikkita #RAIarts #RAIartsMY @theavakl