Album Review: Donna Missal - 'Lighter'
Donna Missal shares her most honest stories of fragility and self-discovery in the vulnerable but defiant album, Lighter.
The album’s title, Lighter, “represents the concept of burning shit down all around you and rising from the ashes,” says Donna. This idea of confronting your past and freeing yourself from it is the powerful message across the album.
A timeless, antique feel is created by the opening of the first track ‘How Does It Feel’. Donna says: “I hope this song finds the cracks in your heart and fills them with light.” The track naturally builds, and the lyrics pose a question that sets up the album’s internal reflection of vulnerability and past experiences.
“Lay down our weapons and make peace with letting go,” Donna sings in the single ‘Hurt by You’. It celebrates a moment of clarity after getting over someone and this can be felt in the defiant drum beat and animated guitar backing.
The softer side of the album include ‘Slow Motion’ a piano track about experiencing a painful realisation and ‘Bloom’, which tells an honest story of sacrifice by focusing solely on an acoustic guitar and the power of the vocals.
Taking inspiration from 90’s maverick artists who have stood the test of time despite disregarding conventions of their era, the album is music and storytelling at its purest. There’s nothing flashy or over-the-top, the true energy comes from the weight of the lyrics and the emotion of the voice that delivers them.
The album concludes with ‘I’m Not Ready’. The elements of the track rise and fall like waves, which helps reflect the internal battle of moving on. The track unwinds with a gentle instrumental showing that although Donna has shared these honest stories, they are yet to find a permanent ending.
We emerge from the other side of the album feeling cleansed, lighter.
Words by Holly Peters