Lovina Falls’ new EP Would That It Were is a masterclass in atmospheric composition and textured songcraft, demonstrating how darkwave and alternative pop can merge into something both elegant and unclassifiable. The project, led by multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer Valerie Forgione, continues her reputation for creating music that moves beyond genre borders into a space where art-rock, dream pop, and post-punk converge with baroque flourishes and electronic experimentation.
From the opening moments, the EP sets a tone that is simultaneously intimate and expansive. Forgione’s voice—rich, resonant, and versatile—anchors the songs, weaving through layers of analog synths, piano, guitar, and unconventional instrumentation. The rhythmic foundation of Would That It Were stands out immediately: paired electronic and acoustic drums drive the tracks with a sense of momentum that feels both grounded and otherworldly. The presence of Todd Demma (Chameleons) on drums adds further precision and depth, allowing the percussion to alternate between subtle undercurrents and more urgent, forceful patterns.
Synth textures play a vital role in shaping the identity of this release. Vintage tones are layered with modern production sensibilities, creating a soundscape that is lush yet never overwhelming. These synth lines are not merely decorative but structural, often carrying melodic weight and guiding the listener through shifts in mood. At times the harpsichord enters unexpectedly, providing a baroque shimmer that contrasts beautifully with the darker electronic pulses. Such details emphasize Forgione’s ability to blend disparate sounds into a seamless whole, reinforcing the “joyfully unclassifiable” quality attributed to her work by critics.
Each track unfolds like a narrative, not in a literal sense, but through atmosphere and emotional contour. The songwriting resists straightforward categorization: there are echoes of post-punk in the guitar textures, the melodic sensibility of classic alternative pop, and the theatrical elegance of baroque pop drama. What unites these elements is the consistency of mood—a dreamlike, shadowed environment where introspection and intensity coexist.
Vocals are layered and textured throughout the EP, providing both intimacy and grandeur. Forgione’s alto voice recalls comparisons to Kate Bush, Bat For Lashes, and Fiona Apple, yet maintains a singular identity. Her delivery balances strength with fragility, lending the music an expressive range that heightens its emotional impact. Harmonies and backing vocals expand the sonic palette, contributing to the immersive quality that defines the release.
The production is meticulous, yet it avoids sterility. Instead, there is a sense of organic layering, as though the songs are alive with subtle shifts and hidden details waiting to be uncovered on repeated listens. The integration of acoustic instruments with electronic elements feels natural and deliberate, underscoring Forgione’s experience and vision as a songwriter and producer.
Ultimately, Would That It Were is a release of high artistic caliber—elegant, eloquent, and distinctive. It captures the essence of Lovina Falls as a project that thrives on contrast: light and shadow, synthetic and organic, restraint and drama. With this EP, Forgione not only affirms her place in the lineage of adventurous alternative artists but also expands the possibilities of what darkwave-infused pop can be. It is a work that resonates deeply and lingers long after the final note, a release we are proud to feature on our webzine.