A brave exploration of emotions and experiences;  Dana Gavanski’s third album Late Slap is an honest and pure embrace to the listener. 

In the wake of her most recent album (When it comes) Late Slap marks an energised, self-assured return for Dana Gavanski. After losing her voice in 2020 during the  creation of her second album, Gavanski presents a new, genre melting sound. Working with co-producers Mike Lindsay (Tunng, LUMP) and James Howard (Rozi Plain,  Alabaster DePlume) to track the record in just 5 days, Late Slap is a liberation for herself and the listener.  

Releasing a cloud of labyrinthine emotions, Gavanski opens up with ‘How to feel uncomfortable’ In a world of  unequivocal guitar and metrical percussion, veraciously charged vocals reverberate; magnifying the extreme disconnect that occurs in a society full of unlimited distractions. This song stands as a strong reminder that to feel comfortable you must at first feel the opposite.  

Gavanski continues the conversation in ‘Singular coincidence,’ addressing the widespread disease of fear and ignorance, her alluring voice swings effortlessly from one note to the next; cruising atop a synthy, multi layered melody. ‘It’s all ignorance, leading us through the forest…’ is a lyric that returns to our ears over and over again. Sending a powerful message, Gavanksi comments on how important it is to rebuild human connection, restore our hope in each other and bridge the divide. While ‘Singular coincidence’ may possess a solemn undertone, through sonic highs and driving electric guitar, it reaps strands of hope within. It fuels a desire to not give up- to strive for a better, real world. 

This social address is poignant and powerful, leading  listeners to ask questions about modern day society and  rethink the way we exist- to create this feeling through  music is art to be admired. While commenting on the  world around us, Gavanski also turns her focus inwards,  analysing herself through intimate lyricism. 

‘Let them row’ and titular track ‘Late slap’ share a melancholic yet upbeat sound, exploring a collage of juxtaposing emotions. ’Let them row’ is a brilliant fluctuation of synth, pizzicato overtones and deep  backing vocals: balancing feelings of rapture and misanthropy. ‘Late slap’ shares the same emotional oscillation, overflowing with beautifully poetic lyricism.  ‘Loosing mind collecting cups of laughter and spinning  slowly like a clock’ mirrors time slowly ticking by-  unaware of reality- until you’re not. 

The album is one big release of emotions, yet the purest, most mournful tracks on the album are ‘Ribbon’ and ‘Song for Rachel.’

Expressing profound feelings of grief over recently losing a childhood friend, both songs expose Gavanski at her most honest and vulnerable. This level of purity can be heard not only through her sorrowful vocals, but also through the nostalgic sound echoing in her music. Precise use of synth, woodwind, and acoustic guitar in ‘Ribbon’ create this exacting nostalgic sound- igniting deep empathy within us. ‘To face the rays all saddled in silence.’ Utilising more explicit lyrics 'Song for Rachel’ is an open doorway, allowing us as listeners to feel and understand together, should we choose to walk in. 

Tilting her tone, ’Ears were growing’ is a new wave/art rock masterpiece and a highlight track on the album. Epitomising the 80s verve of the Talking Heads we are met with unclouded, funky bass and guitar. ‘Take me to another city. I’ll feel high, in love, and pretty’  encapsulates the feeling of wanting to fulfil desire and ambition; a catharsis of the ubiquitous urge to break free of false comfort. Gavanski’s voice is beautifully unique on this track, shifting from octave to octave with  immense style and flair.

‘Dark side’ and ‘Eye on love’ share powerful acoustic introductions, endowing a comforting sound they draw attention to Gavanski’s soft yet timeless voice, these songs are a slice of bliss. ‘Dark side’ returns to places of familiarity whilst also exploring new musical avenues. Serene, heartfelt words alchemised with electric guitar create a vast landscape you could explore forever. 

Likewise to its title, ‘Reiteration’ reiterates everything that has been stated, explored, and released throughout Late Slap, bringing the album to its close. Involuntarily washing over you, the song is a message to pace yourself: ‘I tick away the days that pass uncaught’ and to know there is time to embrace and understand. As the song reaches its end, there is a sense of clarity and  togetherness, a warm fuzzy feeling in your chest.  

Continuing to progress with her ever-evolving sound, this is Gavanski’s most truthful work yet. Late Slap is poetically beautiful and emotionally liberating; a journey of understanding and a strong reminder that we are all alive together.