Grace Givertz is reinvigorating the Boston folk scene one lyrically smart, instrumentally outfitted song at a time. Premiering today on Allston Pudding, is her newest effort in that mission, “Year of the Horse” off of her new album by the same name, which drops tomorrow (Friday, November 1st). The song builds like a storm, swirling together fine art references with self convictions, and at the center, honest inward reflection.
Kicking off the track is a steady drum beat, folk-tastic banjo riff, and Givertz’s distinct vocals ringing out: “This loneliness can’t be cured by company / I wish I was as friendly as I was when I was seventeen.” Her voice booms. Her sentiment is stinging reality. She pushes forward and brings us into the present: “I want to show you my skin / it’s as dried out as my soul is.” We’re collectively nodding and reaching for the nearest Eucerin bottle.
In later verses, she sings about other bodies, namely Michelangelo’s David and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, juxtaposing their outward recognition with lesser known facts about their fragility and frame size, respectively. The song’s frank chorus cuts the crap— “I just need some time and some god-damned peace of mind.” It’s her own way of demonstrating that needing quiet to think, and therefore to grow, is so preciously human. Then, cathartically, she repeats, “I don’t want to be painted out to be any less human than I am.”
With her songs and their witty lyrics, Givertz has shown she knows how to expertly capture the ironic. With “Year of the Horse” she’s tacking on a journey of growth. She holds the irony of misconception, of judging a book by its cover (or famous painting by its reputation), and even the ‘fuck you’ that comes with it, in the same dry palm as steady upward growth.
We know from her 2017 EP The Light that Givertz’s ability to juggle talent and instruments seemingly knows no bounds. On just five songs, she streams a guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, and foot tambourine. The title track that she’s dropping today introduces a fuller sound, with backing drums and fiddle. That, combined with her clever, storytelling lyrics and booming voice are about to make 2019 the year of Grace Givertz.
Stream “Year of the Horse” below, and don’t regret missing the album release show, this Sunday, November 3rd at The Canopy Room with support from local favorites Rachel Sumner and Sweet Petunia. Get your tickets here.