Abby Lokelani - “Hopes and Dreams”

Photo by Sydni Shea Photography

From her forthcoming EP, Wings of Light, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Abby Lokelani has just released the chill sounds of “Hopes and Dreams.”

Pressing the play button invites a wonderful duet of guitars into your ears– a gentle acoustic provides the backbone of the track, while delightful flourishes of lead add a sense of mellifluous bliss. “Hopes and Dreams” sounds as though it is being performed right in front of you, primarily because most of it was captured in a single, analogue take.

The vocal performance, on the other hand, has been meticulously double-tracked, allowing Lokelani’s voice to become a magnificent focal point in the song. Her delivery is warmly reminiscent of Madison Cunningham and Willow Avalon, dreamily revealing passionate and optimistic lines of lyrics– something we could all use right now, considering the state of the world.

As the song progresses, barebones percussion emerges to lend some forward momentum, along with the eventual arrival of some rich, full notes from the bass and piano. Ear candy comes by way of additional layers of vocals, including some sensational harmonies that guarantee your return to “Hopes and Dreams” for multiple listening sessions.

This is the first we’re hearing from Abby Lokelani, but if the rest of her EP is filled with this stripped-back, dreamlike, and authentically vintage-imbued vibe, we cannot wait to hear the rest of it. Until then, “Hopes and Dreams” is now available everywhere for you to repeatedly enjoy.

Connect with Abby Lokelani: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Apple Music

-HD