The magic of One Hand on the Steering Wheel is how Levy somehow manages to speak volumes without giving too much away.
Painting a portrait of life in Montreal, one hand... is narrated as much by hurt as it is by hope, and demonstrates Levy’s ability to develop her artistry without letting go of the colouring of sound that renders her music hers.
The whole thing glows with a particular late-summer energy, its precise, golden hour arrangements hinting at the wide-open chill of fall.
An album driven by simplicity and ease, with an almost foreboding sense of endlessness.
Ultimately, one hand’s intimate song cycle provides for one of the most off center, but utterly compelling listens of the year.
one hand on the steering wheel might not have any clear missteps, but it may take some time to warm to. Some offerings are more instantly likeable than others
Levy’s lo-fisonic palette and dreamy, speak-sung vocals hint at intimacy, her creative use of sound effects and electronics the mark of an archivist.
Her indie guitar pop repeatedly hits the emotional centres.
Pretty good album from Ada Lea. I enjoy her vocals and melodies on this. Pretty heavy emotionally but still such an enjoyable listen. There's a way she sings like she's wine drunk in the middle of the day which is fitting for the mood.
Faves: partner, my love 4 u is real, hurt
Jesus Christ, that early review score! FR?
Edit: Naw, this first song is epic, why the 3? Ok, the vocals are mixed like septic filler on the second song, but the guitar epic! The animation on the music video trash. Why she did she blur the model, we know it doesn't have tits and vag. The third song sounds amazing! Why the three? First three songs deserve a 33 at least! She sings really good! She gay?? It's written really well! This isn't a three! Nuh-uh, nope. Made up my mind. This could turn ... read more
Fairly sparse, mellow, and sad. Ada doesn't fit any formula in her genre blend, and she has a creative way of writing vulnerably while being enigmatic and hard to follow. The album dips in quality at times but has some winners like hurt.
1 | damn 4:21 | 100 |
2 | can't stop me from dying 3:09 | 80 |
3 | oranges 4:54 | 90 |
4 | partner 3:45 | 100 |
5 | saltspring 4:23 | 100 |
6 | and my newness spoke to your newness and it was a thing of endless 0:56 | 80 |
7 | my love 4 u is real 4:31 | 100 |
8 | backyard 2:56 | 80 |
9 | writer in ny 3:19 | 100 |
10 | violence 4:26 | 90 |
11 | hurt 3:31 | 100 |
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