Transparent Things may not reinvent the wheel in terms of sonic language, but it does indeed cement Ford as the face of bringing old tradition to a new generation of listeners.
Gia Ford had an interesting start to her musical career. Singed to taste-making indie label Dirty Hit, Ford released Poster Boy and Murder In The Dark; two ep’s that showcased Ford’s sophisti-pop influenced sound, as well as her knack for storytelling. In 2018, Ford departed the label, setting about forging her own musical path off the back of her innate artistic talents. Transparent Things is the result. In the face of setbacks, Ford remains resilient, producing something that displays the singer-songwriter as a true force of nature.
Where the sophisti-pop sound of her early work is largely gone, it has been replaced with a warmly intricate examination of Americana-tinged Heartland-rock: think the roots vibe of Jackson Browne, with the velvet grooves of Bonnie Raitt: "Poolside" fires off Transparent Things in such a fashion; it is smooth, slinky, and incredibly catchy. "Loveshot" is a moodier affair; slapping drums carry the buzziest of bass, before the unexpected funk of Prince-like guitar, reminding listeners where Gia Ford’s musical world comes from. "Buzzing On You" is a hip-swaying, organ-led moment: an album highlight for sure, it plays like Ford has been doing this for decades; containing a musical confidence that many would be green with envy for, she pulls off her artistic vision with care and compassion, giving the songs space to exist.
"Don’t Drown Me Out", sounds like a lost cut from Van Morrison’s, Moondance; expertly showcasing Ford’s natural ear for melody, over a sweet jam of piano, strings, and acoustic guitar. It is a slow dance at the end of a summer’s day, a guitar solo that’s a drunk, woozy feeling that is nothing short of intoxicating. Career highlight, and album centrepiece, "Falling in Love Again", is breathtaking. Ford’s voice is the strongest it has ever been, carrying the track as if it is a deeply holy object. It is one of those songs that feels like it has been living in the ether for centuries, waiting for someone to pluck it out of the air and finally record it – a truly magnificent achievement.
Where some artists crumble under the pressure of a debut album, Gia Ford is clearly one of those who thrive within the chaos. Transparent Things is a testament to what is achievable when you choose to live your authentic artistic life, how out of times of unease, you find that the right things present themselves at the right time. Gia Ford’s debut record is a triumph of perseverance, of artistic integrity, and of what can happen when you stick to your guns.
