Debut efforts are no small feat. They are a culmination of the years put into the grassroots gigs, the luck and skill to get there is an exceptional moment. Transparent Things, the first instance of fully-fledged releases from Gia Ford, is a suave offering. Lush instrumentals and a warmth overtake, a strong vocal sense pushing through. There is no right way to settle a debut, but Transparent Things is a solid blueprint. Fall for the bright joys of opener Poolside which, actually, has a sinister edge to it. These tracks will be an introduction to Ford for many, and opening with this guitar-laden piece is a striking undertaking. We get to grips with their lyrical strength, instrumental scope and vocal sample. What a way to begin, and the quality remains throughout Transparent Things.
Headphones on and away we go. There is a neat pop notion to Loveshot, a chart-topper if there ever was one. It has all the right motions but with a crushing guitar piece, a focus on percussion instead of pop power. Transparent slots nicely into the alternate scene, much of it reliant on these exceptional instrumental sections, so warm and so sure of themselves. Tones of futility come to a boil on Alligator, a short but bitter-adjacent piece which holds vivid imagery as its leading tool. Ford has plenty of this, allegories and metaphors with wiggle room for several expressions at a time. Buzzing On You again continues this charming depth. Transparent Things has hit out at the right time – a wonderful companion to questioning yourself and the actions of the year. It is what the transition to autumn is all about.
Do not be fooled by the softer sound of Falling in Love Again – even actions as simple as this, as easy as this, provide a new layer of danger. It is heard in the instrumental sections towards the end, well-considered and moving bits of reflection fill the gap where vocals could be. Ford’s work is incredibly sharp here. There is an uncertainty which preys on the mind as Transparent Things continues. This image as a drifter presents itself, as this chance to experience the world without a tether to keep you grounded. Such is the fury found in Transparent Things, an intimate yet broad album that greatly benefits from the smart layering of instrumentals. Sometimes the dreams we hold dear are not of the grand expanse or the intimacy of great works but of simpler, kitchen sink-like moments. Housewife Dreams of America figures itself through a soft approach to heartland rock, but ultimately defines this Ford first.
Ford asserts herself as an artist worth listening to time and again. Sharp wordplay holds off on a bitter slide into biting, rising moments and instead lays it out in an earnest and opportune way. Talented stuff and the softer-spoken experiences of Transparent Things’ latter half are exceptional. Familiarity in a truly unique way, toyed with and used as an example of how standing still can cause this suffocating feeling. Album closer Our Mutual Friend is a dark and poignant example of Ford at their best. A tremendous first album where their sound has been considered, ripped through and assembled to a high degree of quality. There is no margin for error here, and Ford gives little away.
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