Self-proclaimed grunge hippie and California native Carly Opacic continues her journey into the indie domain with a promising release of her song “Luna.” Upon listening, I’m greeted with glittery instrumentals, dreamy lyrics, and the chiming upper register of the Nashville-based artist’s vocals. Collectively, these features create a whimsical and glowing blend of sound. Its trajectory hovers in this dewy atmosphere, a format that’s straightforward and makes for an engaging listening experience.
Alive with motion, the instrumental parts brush against one another as they interact but don’t linger, guiding the flow of “Luna” with their pace. They’re mindful, pleasant, and aware of each other’s role in the song. The bass glides under the ethereal web of instrumentals while instilling its own statement, and Opacic’s voice satisfyingly projects higher notes without overwhelming the piece as a whole. The resulting soundscape is a safe, delicate and sparkly atmosphere. Though I think the instrumentals could be more aligned with one another, the overall mix provides a comprehensive vision and expresses Opacic’s current knowledge of and interest in the technology behind modern music.
If the sound more strongly aligned with an upward trajectory, “Luna” could transcend from a cozy atmosphere to an enchanted moonlit realm. The musical build in the bridge tempted me with layers of broader sounds and vocals, and as I expected the final chorus to truly come to life, it returned back to the safety of consistency. The result, though not disappointing, is repetitive. However, the upward trajectory that I want to hear from Opacic’s work can and likely will be achieved from more experience in the industry and continued devotion to her artistry. As her musical journey progresses, I anticipate her exploring a more dynamic range in her music.
Though the initial impact of “Luna” fades as the song progresses, that’s not to say it’s negligible. It sounds like the basis of a passion project that is being looped over different takes. And though the result is a repetitive piece, it is nonetheless one I find myself moving to, and one I enjoy. More importantly, it provides a window into Opacic’s musical psyche. Through hearing her work in “Luna,” I have confidence that her sound will develop into a reckonable force that exudes its own unique precision. Opacic has style, an appreciation for aesthetics, and a defined vision of her artistry. She has direction and the voice to follow it. I anticipate the rest of her album of the same name, which is to be released in part on January 21st.
