Abby Sullivan - Posture

Abby Sullivan

Posture
self-released; 2020

​3.9 out of 5

By My Nguyen

Abby Sullivan is a singer/songwriter based out of a quiet town outside of Boston, MA. Music has long been a conduit for her expressions. The majority of her youth was spent writing songs and attending concerts. The past year, she graduated from Ithaca College with a B. M. Sound Recording Technology degree which allowed her to grow as a performer as well as a recording engineer – two of her biggest passions. Aside from academic choir participation and open mics, Sullivan spent time gigging around Ithaca, NY with her band East Coast Summit before they graduated. Now she is ready to embark on her own solo adventures. The artist is releasing her self-produced four-track EP entitled Posture.

In the singer/songwriter vernacular, these are intimate tracks filled with range. Sullivan sings with a vulnerability that ties into the sensitivity permeating these tracks. Soft and meandering melodies pulsate through these piano-driven songs. Sullivan sings from a raw standpoint of honesty and authenticity. Suited for indie pop and alternative lovers, these tracks will appeal to fans of the above genres.

Posture opens with “Dreamcatcher” which is a piano-based track. The piano melodies are dynamic. A bit of drums and percussions sizzles in. Sullivan’s vocals are brimming with vulnerability. The performance is intimate. A strong sense of urgency undulates on this song. The piano tune is melancholy-tinged with a moving vibe. A smooth lounge feel pervades. Sullivan scats towards the close of this track.

Vocal harmonies soar out in the start of “Hindsight.” Sullivan’s vocals are alone supported by the piano. The piano melody courses through this song. Synths also take into effect on this track. The lines, “Watch my back / I back away” is repeated throughout the song. The words really reverberate on this track, which involves “the emotional processing of a toxic relationship.” The piano tune is somber sounding. This is a sparse song with a stripped-down feel.

An evocative piano melody takes place towards the start of “Untitled.” The sounds are soulful and pleasing filled with an inviting tone. The pacing on this album really picks up here. The beat on this piece is less slow sauntering and livelier. Sullivan’s vocals are reverb-drenched.

On the closer, “Lavender Walls,” the cadences of the piano and xylophone is mixed together. The track contains a bluesy lounge vibe. The synths add an airy aspect to this song.

​At the focal point of these songs are Sullivan’s vocals. Her voice commandeers these tracks and are soulful and smooth all at once. Connecting listeners with her candid and sincere performances, what you see is what you get. These are no illusions with these straightforward songs about different types of relationships: toxic and healthy both with others and oneself. Sullivan goes above and beyond with these heartfelt numbers. Take a listen!

Spotify

soundbetter

Tweet