I normally give the cold shoulder to pop music such as this, but Ava Della Pietra’s “ego” percolates with such infectious energetic pop charms that I can’t help but feel sucked in. Long Island’s Della Pietra has the vocal and songwriting skills to pull listeners in from the outset and her physical presence exerts a similar effect when watching the song’s music video. Della Pietra has notable accomplishments under her belt already with a spate of preceding singles, but “ego” marks new territory for the singer/songwriter as she pushes her art into new adult challenges rather than relying on the all-ages appeal of her past releases. “ego” proves, in my opinion, an excellent place for that push to begin.
I give high marks to her restless and ever-fertile creativity. She doesn’t settle for just a single approach with “ego” and, instead, broadens its appeal with a few well-timed shifts in direction. Kicking off the song as an ultra-contemporary mix of voice, bass, and percussion effects draws us into her musical web, and moving from that into an elegant piano-laced flourish captures us completely. She isn’t done yet, as the song transitions into the main body of the arrangement and begins to crackle with pure pop inspiration.
Her creativity extends to the song’s music video as well. It’s a relatively direct presentation setting Della Pietra’s “performance” in a subway setting. The tight backdrop and evocative filming of the clip, however, contribute a great deal to its lasting effect on viewers. The former condenses the energy level, particularly physically, and the resulting rise in its intensity makes for compelling viewing. I think the imaginative use of color adds a sensuous atmosphere to the performance as does Della Pietra’s attire. It’s a suggestive video without ever looking crass.
The varied vocals she utilizes throughout the song are essential for its lyrics. Della Pietra writes about the song’s subject, a self-centered romantic partner far more concerned with appearances than real and lasting connections, without any sentimentality and a clear eye for what’s plaguing the relationship. Her vocals do a first-class job conveying the disappointment, dismissiveness, and heartache associated with such realizations.
I’m taken with the warm instrumental sound that she achieves. Non-traditional electronic instruments such as those used here often produce a sterile, uninviting sound in the hands of lesser talents, but Della Pietra has found a way to make it work for her. This isn’t a single where it sounds like the song’s disparate elements exist in an uneasy marriage. Everything sounds like it’s part of a greater whole and there isn’t any self-indulgence evident during the cut.
She continues racking up one success after another. Ava Della Pietra’s “ego” opens new doors, however, as it shows she’s more ready than ever to move beyond the narrow appeal of her initial “family-friendly” work into more challenging subject matter that’s undoubtedly closer to her everyday experiences. I applaud her bravery and it pays off with a thoroughly invigorating single that promises even greater accomplishments to come. Ava Della Pietra’s “ego” is well worth seeking out today.
Garth Thomas