At just 24 years of age, Wild Gloriosa (Gloria Ragesh) has pipes well beyond her years. The moment I heard “All Wishes Come True” from her new EP Growing Pains, I was locked in.
The neo-soul/R&B artist based in Geelong/Djilang, Victoria, has a vocal tone as smooth as satin. The sonics she creates feel like a full-body massage, and who on earth isn’t looking for one of those? Born to South Indian and Singaporean parents, Gloria’s childhood was filled with the music of her ancestors. At home, music has always been a way to connect with the community, and putting words down on paper has been a means to share messages with the world.
I remember being in my early 20s, and boy, was it a formative and confusing time. Gloria’s latest body of work represents her navigating these very twists and turns, at times feeling inspired and on the right path, yet at others lost and off track.
“All Wishes Come True” is the opener, sitting at a jacuzzi temperature. Svelte bass licks (played by Anthony Liddell) and starry keys (played by Jake Amy) intertwine like pasta in a bowl. Gloria’s powerful voice sails over the top as she narrates a story about an unfortunate situation between friends where jealousy of each other’s achievements leads to their parting ways. It’s a sad tale, but one that is all too common. Potent lyrics like “why can’t we ascend together?” and “I’m reaching for the sun, where the light won’t reach you” serve as powerful signposts of this messaging.
With folks like Jessica Mauboy, The Jungle Giants and The Bamboos in her corner, you know Gloria’s onto something special. Ease into “All Wishes Come True” beneath.
