Indiana Rich - GEMINI (2024) Hi-Res

GEMINI, the third long player from Boston-based singer-songwriter Indiana Rich, is not only a reflection of Rich’s personality but is also an observation of the society in which millennials and zoomers exist.

Rich explains, “‘GEMINI’ is an extremely personal album to me. It is my response to the challenges of being a young adult in today’s world. My lyrics address topics that are important to me: Appreciation, healing, and vibrant growth. When people listen to this project my hope is first and foremost that they’re entertained and are also inspired to stand strong and be optimistic.”

Her sound, a blend of indiepop, folk, and musicals, was influenced by her training as well as artists ranging from ABBA to Billie Eilish. Talking about her sound, Rich says, “When people ask, I describe it as Pop/Rock-Cappella.”

Encompassing nine tracks, entry points on GEMINI include the opening track, “Independence Day,” a rock-opera-like song with layered, choir-like harmonies riding atop a darkly throbbing melody that ebbs and rises with surging intensity.

A personal favorite because of its pulsating synths and radiant harmonies, “When You Say You Love Me…,” tilts and rolls on gleaming colors as Rich’s luscious, sing-song flow imbues the lyrics with delightful tonal nuances.

Full of sinuous shadows, “Wake Up (It’s Alright)” features Rich’s evocative vocals, deep and almost portentous in coloration. Once again, multi-part harmonies infuse the tune with delicious textures that subside and elevate, giving the lyrics subtle sonic suffusions.

On one level whimsical and on another level culturally provocative, “Just Google It” reveals the hazards of too much information available via online searches. With its soaring feel, “Birds & Planes” floats on a lush, luminous soundscape, like something from Pitch Perfect.

The title track closes the album with a rippling, charming melody highlighted by grand, sweeping harmonies, at once intricate and wonderfully interweaving, giving the song shiny optimistic energy.

Marvelously rococo and imaginative, GEMINI conjures up suggestions of an elegant, female version of the operatic performances of Queen.