La Fonda has put in a lot of hard work to get to where they are now, releasing their debut album next year. Beginning as a pair of sisters, Veronica and Valerie, whose childhood regularly included music, fate brought them together with old and new friends to form the six-person band they are today. Each member brings a magical layer of guitar, keys, and drums that create a cohesive and blossoming whole. Now fully complete and bonded, the group lets the themes of love and friendship lead them towards inspiring listeners to feel motivated and hopeful, even in times of hardship.
Their warm, hearty sound is brought forth with beautifully blended instruments and vocals. The sisters bring forth a solid performance of voices that mix and move in gorgeous tones and runs, such as in their 2019 single “Time.” They have a powerful range, dipping into rich alto notes and rising to airy soprano notes, all of which come out as effortlessly and passionately as ever. Their unique yet classic rhythms from percussion keep their music flowing while you can hear how heartfelt and genuine the guitars execute their notes. There’s a realness to their performances, aroused by their intent to let the music guide them and their listeners.
Their latest single, “Delusional Bird,” possesses all of that warmth, talent, and sincerity that defines their music. The sisters sing with strong souls, as though what they’re singing about is intense and personal for them. The beat is relaxed, allowing you to sink in slowly to the deep and thoughtful space they’re building. The drums and guitar really stand out in this one, with the guitar beginning the song with an ardent, earnest sound, preparing us for an emotional but worthwhile journey. Then the guitar and drums get their own instrumental duet at the end that wraps up the song in a powerful and memorable encore.
On the theme of deep and personal, the lyrics inspire a journey of self-reflection and exposing our most authentic selves.
She knew he might play games with her heart
And she didn’t know how to stop from the start
Delusional bird flying high on a dream
Delusional bird can’t give in.
The choice of the bird metaphor is intriguing, as a bird often represents hope and freedom with the ability to soar over the world. Often we are encouraged to define ourselves as “birds soaring to new heights.” La Fonda takes hold of this imagery and redefines it, reminding us not to get too wrapped up in a fantasy.
And sometimes the world makes you pick and choose
And somebody’s always going to lose
But I’ll put out all fires
For what I know feels right.
But there’s still a message of hope and perseverance here, but not in the way you’d expect. La Fonda encourages authenticity to oneself. We have to be real with ourselves and with the world, and there will always be struggles, but that should never stop us from being who we are and fighting for what we believe.
La Fonda’s mission to inspire listeners to “fight through moments of compounding disarray, transition and struggle by showing up as our strongest, most authentic, and truest selves” (according to their About page) translates potently through their music, and, honestly, what better message can there be?
