Wish Queen, the musical alter-ego of Cleveland-based singer/songwriter Grace Sullivan, has emerged from the shadows with her debut album, “Saturnalia,” and the track “Coast to Coast.” It’s a journey that’s marked by personal transformation and spiritual awakening, a narrative that adds depth to the music.
“Coast to Coast” is a hypnotic blend of dream pop, art pop, and indie folk. It’s a genre-defying piece that showcases Grace’s rich, classic vocals and her long-hidden poetry. However, it’s not without its complexities.
The track exudes a sense of yearning and desire, something that’s a recurrent theme throughout “Saturnalia.” While it’s moving and ethereal, there are moments where the song feels somewhat elusive. The layered reverb and synth-based production add a dreamy quality, but at times, it can border on being too dense, making it challenging to fully connect with the lyrics and emotions.
Grace’s vocal harmonies are undoubtedly intuitive and powerful, but there’s a certain level of restraint that sometimes holds back the full emotional impact of her singing. It’s as if the weight of her past struggles and self-discovery has left a mark on her music, making it feel introspective to a fault.
Drawing inspiration from legendary Queens of music like Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Lana Del Rey, Weyes Blood, and Ethel Cain, Wish Queen has certainly carved out a unique space in the musical landscape. Her ability to transport listeners to different times and places through her music is commendable, and there’s an undeniable mysticism in her sound.
“Saturnalia” as a whole is an ambitious debut album that explores themes of earthly cycles, heartbreak, and coming of age through the lens of the Saturn Return. The album’s creation, mostly in a garage during the summer of 2022, adds a certain rawness and authenticity to the music. It’s a diamond in the rough, with breathtaking layers of synths and meticulously crafted hidden narratives.
In the end, “Coast to Coast” and “Saturnalia” are journeys worth taking for those willing to delve into the mystical and introspective world of Wish Queen. While it may not be without its moments of obscurity, the album’s unique blend of genres and its deeply personal narrative make it a captivating and memorable musical experience.
