Meagan Aversa is a Toronto, Canada-based singer songwriter and member of Velvet Beach who is appearing on our pages for the first time through her debut album Blood Moon.

By Graeme Smith

Opening with its slow and contemplative title track, Blood Moon quickly marks itself out as an exciting record. It’s deliciously understated while creating a tonne of atmosphere with its brooding and melancholic style. It’s indie rock for lovers of the Gothic and Meagan does a lot with a little with her vocals.

From there were are treated to the echoing and rousing From the Shore and the cantering and acoustic Summer. Wildflowers proves a highlight thanks to its fuzzy rock edge and expansive style. Meagan’s vocals are at their most soulful while they deliver a powerful tale of being gripped by uncertainty.

Perhaps what stands out the most about the album are the lyrics. Careful listeners will be rewarded by stories of being crushed by the weight of life, the poetic side of the mundane and reluctant hope. They’re all enriched with a strong sense of emotion, and tie into a theme of being held back by avoidance, and I found myself feeling every word that Meagan sung.

Late album highlights include the seething, rumbling Tommy Gun and the introspective piano ballad Goodnight. The album is rounded off in memorable style by its slow-burning and lingering closer You and the Light.

Meagan is an artist who likes her lyrics and her music to do the talking for her, and with tracks so enriched with emotion and storytelling, it’s a good strategy. Listen to her new album if you’re looking to feel something today. You might discover your new favourite artist.

Blood Moon features the musical talents of Meagan Aversa, Daniel Sheahan, Jon Savard, Brayden Kruegar, Pavel Soltys, Avery Laird, Matias Gutierrez, and Steph Seki. It was co-produced, recorded and mixed by Jon Savard and mastered by Connor Salmoral. It’s out now, available to buy as a digital album or on vinyl via Bandcamp. You can check it out below.