Over one million streams, nearly one million social media followers, and a growing discography are ample evidence of Ava Della Pietra’s rapidly evolving talents. Her theatrical roots give her an immediate foundation for connecting with listeners, and there is an unabashed willingness to lay her heart bare in each new release. Recent songs such as “talk it out” and “ego” supply undeniable testimony of that bravery, and her new single “sick” is no exception. You might think pursuing a thriving musical career while studying in a dual degree program at the Berklee College of Music and Harvard University may spread Della Pietra’s energies too thin for compelling releases. “sick”, however, proves any potential doubters wrong.
She’s been proving them wrong since her debut. The skill and zest of her performances are keystones for the success of each single, and “sick” is no exception. We hear the skill in how she navigates listeners through the torrid pace of the track, yet she’s careful to never drag the performance into outright chaos. It isn’t a song that demands complex phrasing from the listener, this is an up-tempo number all about joy, but she communicates that emotion with considerable and appealing fire.
There is a fire in the music as well. It has a spartan attack, bass and percussion rule the roost, but you can hear Ava answering its energy with verve from the opening through the song’s conclusion. The song’s energy transforms through its various passages without ever flagging. The bass is what many listeners will latch onto, and they should, as it provides a propulsive impetus to the performance that you gravitate towards.
The lyrics are among the best she’s had yet. Anyone expecting high-flown poetry is listening to the wrong song. There is intelligence and a little humor in how she phrases the bevy of emotions that love inspires. Few songs in recent years capture what it’s like in those early delirious stages quite like this one. The words are conversational, straight to the point, and she belts them out in a flurry that sweeps you up.
She is a singer who considers the music rather than merely imposing her will over the backing. It’s quite a thrill to hear how her vocal attack adds another layer to the song’s musical thrust while still allowing her to deliver the track’s message. It is a deft balancing act that not every singer can pull off.
She does, however, and makes it sound easy. Each new single from Ava supersedes its outstanding predecessor, and this is no exception. She is working at or near the peak of her early powers, and you finish the song sure that there’s nothing she can’t do. If this is “sick”, you don’t want to be healthy. Many listeners will want the experience to continue after the song ends. Never fear, however – you can always listen to it again. Rest assured, as well, that Della Pietra will soon return with another track as good, if not better.
Heather Savage
