Simona-Valentina - Mirrors & Feathers

​Simona-Valentina

Mirrors & Feathers
self-released; 2025

By Dan Weston

Simona Valentina’s Mirrors & Feathers feels like an album written in the margins of late night journals and quiet afternoons filled with reflection. Across twelve tracks, the London based singer and songwriter blends 70s and 90s baroque pop folk influences with a subtle modern touch, creating something both intimate and cinematic. Her inspirations include Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, and Tori Amos, and their influence is present in the emotional reach of the songs. There’s a softness to the album that never loses its edge, a sense of control even in its most vulnerable moments.

I could hear that intention from the first track, “Love Is Written in the Tears,” a melancholy opener that feels like a slow exhale. It plays like a ballad steeped in memory, with a gentle build that never forces itself. “Out of Sea” follows with a more upbeat pulse, and I immediately thought of Weyes Blood, one of my favorite artists, especially in how the melodies rise and fall with a natural grace. “Whispers” is one of the most delicate pieces on the record, almost translucent in its arrangement. It draws you in quietly, leaving room for breath between every line.

“Bitter in Love” stood out to me as a centerpiece. It balances hope and sadness with the kind of emotional ambiguity that feels real and earned. “Thorns” is probably the most immediately catchy track, with a chorus that stays with you without wearing out its welcome.

“Head Outta Washing Machine” brings an unexpected twist with its playful lyrics and a rhythm that hints at a more pronounced beat but remains grounded in the album’s introspective core. The final track, “Time to Fly,” feels like a release. It closes the album with a sense of lift and quiet power, as if letting go without needing to explain.

Throughout Mirrors & Feathers, Simona Valentina proves herself to be a thoughtful songwriter and an expressive performer. The production is clear and understated, allowing each song to move at its own pace. I felt a genuine connection to these tracks, and I appreciated how consistent the tone and mood remained even as the album explored a range of emotional textures. This is not a record that grabs you with spectacle. It invites you in with honesty and stays with you through its quiet strength.

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