California-based indie pop-rocker Dora Jar’s new album, Digital Meadow (Original Sin), is true to its name. The 7-track project is a fusion of organic sounds and synthetic instrumentation, creating an eclectic pasture for listeners to frolic in. Although it isn’t perfect, the project is a promising glimpse into the 24-year old’s talent.
Even before the inaugural angelic vocals on the EP’s first track, “Opening,” listeners see imagery related to a digital meadow within the cover art. The artwork depicts Dora staring at a warped reflection of herself, adorned with illustrations of creatures ranging from the natural to the mystical.
“Opening” commences with a fluttering synth bassline upon which Dora declares, “butterfly / at least I was in another life.” Guitar strums enter the fray alongside high-pitched, electronic squeals, ushering in a bubbly chorus that occurs twice on the track.
The following track, “Multiply,” is much more grounded by comparison because most of the accompaniment consists of tangible instruments. The majority of the track consists only of affectionate guitar plucks and Dora’s delicate vocals, almost giving the listener the impression that this song is a demo. “Feelin’ naughty / with a dash of spice,” she coos in the listener’s ear while the soft guitar strums gently tug them to a sonic sanctuary. However, in a surprising yet satisfying turn of events, this oasis turns out to be a mirage. Just as the track is coming to an end, the sense of intimacy is broken. Amped-up guitars and crashing drums overpower the repose while Dora’s distorted whispers bleed through the organized chaos, chanting, “I think about you twenty-five hours a day.”
The third track on the EP, “Polly,” has a snappy guitar riff that acts as a base for the punchy percussion and eccentric sounds and effects that ornament it. On the verses, Dora darts in and out effortlessly, singing in the nooks and crannies strategically created with the instrumentation. As the chorus lifts off, the guitar riff is abandoned in favor of a groovy bassline and a sticky hook. Radiating confidence, Dora’s multi-tracked vocals glide over the pulsing dance beat, resulting in what is easily the catchiest song on the whole project.
“Wizard” is a brooding detour from the playful “Polly.” A low-pitched siren wails away in the background as heavy bass throbs and kitchen timer-esque ticking creates a sense of urgency throughout the song, almost as if Dora is bringing you somewhere that you shouldn’t be. “Open me up if you dare,” she beckons, taunting you with a chorus ressemblent of some of the darker tracks in Billie Eilish’s catalogue. Unfortunately, although it serves its purpose in the sequencing of the EP, “Wizard” doesn’t do enough to distinguish itself conceptually from songs like “my strange addiction.”
Upon first glance, “Garden” is a somber breakup ballad. The reserved accompaniment for the track leaves ample room for Dora and her guitar to wallow as she finds herself stuck in the reeds of her own sorrow. However, by parting the tall grass, Dora reveals a polluted swamp, aiming to see her reflection in its dirty ripples. With vivid imagery derived from the biblical Garden of Eden, she expresses shame for her past actions, even going so far as to say she lives “inside a demon.”
Similar to “Garden,” “Quiver” has relatively modest instrumentation, with gloomy guitar plucks and pitter-patter background vocals reflective of the storm-related imagery within the lyrics. The subdued accompaniment works to accommodate Dora’s singing, positioning her voice in the center of the mix. As with “Wizard,” “Quiver” serves its purpose in the sequencing of the EP. It balances the tracklist, preventing the project from sounding saccharine. Still, this song falls short due to poor choices in production. The mix sounds thin, the backing vocals are irritating, and the arrangement is lifeless.
The closing track, “Voice in the Darkness” ends the EP on a high note. Dora’s voice summons a glowing beam of sunlight that gently pulls you from the turbulence of the meadow and into the safety of the clouds. Booming bass, swelling guitars, and thunderous drums coalesce, creating a roaring grand finale. Just as the curtains are coming to a close, Dora bows out, eagerly awaiting your next trip into the meadow.
Though a few tracks could have been more fleshed out, Digital Meadow is an undeniable display of talent, and it is sure to leave listeners anticipating where Dora will take them next.
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Decent Lyricism
Good Instrumentation
Great Sequencing
Solid Theme
Inconsistent Production