Lovers of pop and folk alike can find a new favorite album in Quiet Light’s Fourth of July. It is a rich constellation of twang and texture. Texas bred and Massachusetts-based multi-instrumentalist Riya Mahesh wields a forthright pen, descended from the school of sad girl singer-songwriters. Even so, I hesitate to place her directly into their box.
These tracks contain impressive production choices, chock full of layered spoken samples and synthetic sounds. She doesn't always resort to a clean vocal, unabashed in her pursuit of emotional connection. The chosen effects come far too naturally to sound forced, despite their inorganic nature.
She feeds fiercely relatable lines such as “I think I love you / I know that I don’t” on “Superstar,” and “Every time I see someone drive your car / I die a little inside” on the title track. Still, she’d be naive to wallow in her own pain, admitting that “No one's gonna hurt you like I did” on the pensive closer "Twirl”. “Flatland” rings with a palpable pain, and “Ohio17" offers kaleidoscopic clatter.
“Fourth of July” is just ambitious enough, still feeling homey amidst exploration. I'm thrilled to witness the rise of this budding artist, whose light is far brighter than it is quiet.