It is often difficult to find substance inside the empty vacuum of social media attention spans and shallow personalities surrounding us. A casualty of modern life? Perhaps. Although, those of us who still believe in the human soul seek something more than content curated by algorithms or messages from a sponsor. That is where artists like Grace Cummings come in with her pure sense of songwriting that connects with true emotions.
Cummings, a singer-songwriter based out of Melbourne, Australia, might be somewhat of a new name to the mainstream, but certainly one worth discovering. First emerging in 2019 with her debut album Refuge Cove, in 2022 she followed up with Storm Queen, soon earning herself a growing international following thanks to her organically crafted songs. These songs, free of unnecessary over-production, present Cummings as a singer with a full-bodied, haunting voice matched with very personal lyrics. Something that lies in the realm of Folk and Blues Rock, now in 2024, Cummings offers her latest exploration into music with the album Ramona.
Ramona, her third overall studio release, is set for release on April 5th through ATO and finds Cummings spreading her artistic wings even wider. For point of reference, those familiar with her first two records are aware of the rawness in her style, which at times, is very stripped down with simply just vocals and an acoustic guitar. Still within this stratosphere, for Ramona, Cummings opts to go for an even more rich musical soundscape that only adds to each song’s enchantments.
Recorded in Topanga Canyon with Producer Jonathan Wilson, the new album features lush strings, piano, as well as guitar as the backdrop for Cummings’ voice. Factors that are enticing, speaking of her singing in particular, if you appreciate those like Annie Lennox, Kate Bush, or Alison Moyet, you will simply be enthralled with what Cummings has to offer. In short, she projects a voice that is thick and clearly reaching down to the depths of her very being. Astounding to hear in an age of quite thin voices being marketed by major record labels, Cummings demands your attention and keeps it because of her heartfelt stories about life and all the ups and downs each of us experience.
Painting these pictures, Ramona is something of an experimental record for the young musician. Trying different sounds and techniques, the end result is a successful collection of songs that engage you fully. A great deal to dive into, in all, you get 12 tracks that are dripping with drama and passion. Truly unique to what others may be recording at this time, some of the boldest moments include “Something Goes Around,” “On and On,” and the very bluesy “Everybody’s Somebody.” Accompanying these are also “Common Man,” the slow-motion dream atmosphere of the title-track, and the very beautiful “A Precious Thing.”
Just a few of the highlights, in truth, there is not a dull moment on Ramona; because it plays out as one cohesive collective story. Yes, the music is quite mellow, but regardless there is an intensity amidst it all that leaves you curiously waiting what may happen next. With this Cummings shares tales that are deeply rooted in herself, yet ones that can be universal to many. After all, who among us has not felt out of place at one time or another? The honest answer, no one. In the end, Grace Cummings taps into the feelings many of us have been craving in this very plastic world. That is why Ramona is a simply magical listen and one that Cryptic Rock gives 5 out of 5 stars.
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