Gabriela Eva – “watching my plants grow” // New Dead Good Music

With her upcoming EP Recovery set to land next month, Gabriela Eva has released a new single. “watching my plants grow” touches on the themes we’ve heard from the Colchester artist throughout the year, but in their most intimate setting yet.

Coming in without the booming bass of “Everything”, or the world-building ethos of “Bloom”, “watching my plants grow” brings a stripped back version of Gabriela’s sound – which I got to witness at this year’s LazyDays Festival – that has a vulnerability that allows it to become easier to connect to. Armed with soft guitar chords, harmonious vocals and the slightest hint of flute in the background, this feels like a very personal listen. Like it’s just you listening in. And with its loose structure, it feels like it floats through the airwaves with ease.

Despite its modest timeframe, “watching my plants grow” leaves a big impression. It has the two minute mark in its sights but is perfectly fine the way it is. I can seemingly only listen to it on loop. It’s so good. Delivering a concise, more Pop-influenced performance that explores Gabriela’s experience with mental health and loss in a way that allows those topics to shine. She has become one of my favourite artist discoveries of the year, and I’m excited to hear Recovery.