On first glance, this release has at least two strikes against it from the start. Any singer that goes by only one name always worries me. Think “Raffi” or “Madonna”. Second, will someone please explain the outfit of afro, smoke and a feather headdress? Do I really want to know? Lastly, the title? Are we back in the space program, doing songs like “Space Oddity”?
Well, this Dutch singer won me over. Her voice is a bit heavier than McCoo, and a bit lighter than Warwick or Simone. Sort of Phoebe Snowish. A very alluring tone that draws you in. Then, these songs are sort of like a late 60s-70s soul groove, but with a dash of jazz thrown into the stew, and it flavors superbly such as on “Reginald & Desire” and “Look of the State.” A dancing bass line mixed with cirrus flutes on ”Lockdown” have Giovanca’s voice trickle like a cool creek, while the synth groove on “ How Does It Feel”, complete with the wacka-wooka guitar is funkadelic!. She can also get cozy with guitar and percussion as on “I Will Wait” and uplifting on the sweet soul music of the title track. Her delivery is nimble as she dances over the obstacle course of “Bad Wishes” with alacrity, and opens her heart on “Forgive My Soul.” Get this lady to the Best Coast. I gotta see it to believe it!
Dox Records