REVIEW: Alexia Avina’s Betting on an Island

Alexia Avina, Betting on an Island (Never Content)

A member of Best Fern and Mile End music collective Oh Hi, Alexia Avina is skilled at both ambient exploration and songcraft. Following a stint in Banff, Avina sounds emboldened on Betting on an Island, its warm, dream pop grooves propelling crystalline vocal work to new heights of confidence and clarity. Immersive sonic landscapes have been shaped into a tighter rhythmic drive as lyrics favour delicate imagery to match the ephemeral tone: “I walk on tiptoes though my heels sing heavier songs.” Avina continues to grow into one of Montreal’s best up-and-coming songwriters on her most captivating collection to date.

7.5/10

Trial Track: “Bird”