Ada Lea - “can’t stop me from dying”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Aldous Harding, Vagabon, Stella Donnelly

On Ada Lea’s sophomore full-length one hand on the steering wheel the other sewing a garden, the Canadian singer-songwriter sounds committed and focused while still exploring around the further reaches of indie folk possibilities. New wave synths, haunting horns, and distorted guitars leapfrog acoustic balladry track-to-track, taking turns twisting what at its heart is a traditionally alt-country album. Ada Lea’s balance of core sound and probing new spaces is spot-on throughout one hand, a record that’s equally surprising and familiar, rewarding repeat listens no matter one’s headspace. (Kevin McStravick) 

2020 Review: Ada Lea’s debut What We Say In Private enraptures with spare, emotive ballads, but expands its beauty with psychedelic pop/rock inflections that keep the record diversely interesting track to track. Match the washed-out, New Orleans soul of single “what makes me sad” with softly brooding “the party”, or ghostly, rhythmless “just one, please” to the grungy and intense closer “easy”, and the dichotomy of Ada Lea’s music transparently reveals itself. Regardless of the musical skin, Lea’s songs maintain melancholic heart and personality.