Gia Ford – Transparent Things

Transparent Things sets off with the unbridled swagger of Poolside – a blistering-hot opener punctuated by alluring rattlesnake shakes and dad-rock guitar flourishes – and settles into the hot-footed disco groove of Loveshot, an equally tantalising number which sets this album up to be one which runs on raw attitude. Ah, but this is not so, dear reader! Of course, the swampy sway of Alligator and gospel-y gait of Buzzing On You would only strengthen this kind of characterisation. But the vulnerable romance of Falling In Love Again and tactile tenderness of Don’t Drown Me Out make for welcome detours in a collection of songs that is led so intensely by strut-worthy rhythms and that raw bad-boy edge.

At once, Ford embodies the freedom of the motorcycle boyfriend your father doesn’t approve of and the isolation of a broken hausfrau on the album’s main showstopper Housewife Dreams of America. This track serves as a shining example of the driving force behind the creation of Ford's stunning debut – the desire to tell the stories of misunderstood or marginalised characters. This also comes through on the album’s swelling curtain call Our Mutual Friend, in which Ford humanises the grim reaper and recognises them as a helpful being that guides us to the light.

Listen to: Housewife Dreams of America, Alligator, Don’t Drown Me Out