“Malice in Wonderland” is an introspective journey through the eyes of Ava, a young adult navigating the complexities of her generation. It serves as both a social commentary on her generation’s quest for meaning amidst unfamiliar challenges and a profound reminder of the beauty and wonder often overlooked in the world. Delving into the depths of self- reflection, this EP captures the struggles and misunderstandings that arise, exposing the presence of malice. Yet, it serves as a poignant reminder that we are indeed in wonderland—a world of hidden beauty that we often fail to fully appreciate and embrace.
Ava like Lava is one of the unique voices of this interconnected world and generation. As an Iranian born Global Citizen making music from South Africa, her music is a sonic blend of different cultures and musical influences. Lava’s sound is a Pop-infused experience that takes listeners on an eclectic and playful journey. With the interplay of R&B, Hip Hop, Middle Eastern, and Alternative elements, Ava like Lava creates a cinematic soundscape that is both emotionally satisfying and intellectually stimulating.Recently signed under Universal Music Africa as a songwriter, Malice in Wonderland is not only her next musical offering, but a sonic and visual universe designed by the artist and her collaborators.
SEE LEVEL
At the gateway to the Malice in Wonderland Universe lies “See Level”; the symbolic descend into the rabbit hole. Set to an evocative R&B soundscape that captures the raw emotional intensity of Ava’s journey, it is a vulnerable and introspective song that blends Hip Hop and Pop influences seamlessly. Beginning with an appeal to the listener, in Ava’s mother tongue Farsi, to join her in exploring Wonderland. “See Level’ is a song about “signs” and receptivity to them. Through Ava’s candid lyricism, we are invited to explore the tumultuous landscape of emotional instability and internal volatility, as she confronts her own fallibility and embraces the power of honesty and self-awareness.
90’S ANXIETY
90’s Anxiety is a commentary of the woes of their generation: The 90’s kids who, now as adults, navigate a fast-changing world while facing a unique set of collective challenges. This bilingual fusion of Hip Hop and R&B expresses the universality of the struggle and sentiment: “You are not alone in any of your dark moments”. The struggles of success, mental health, identity, culture, technology, climate, collectiveness and vices plague a generation raised in fantasy and in what they remember as simpler days. A trappy undertone that is oddly; soothing and relaxing, allows the message to stand clear and the melodic delivery to stand out. The song is ultimately hopeful, anxiety, like a wave must be ridden.
GLOBAL HOT SAUCE
It is finally time to live in the moment. The metaphorical rollercoaster of this universe isn’t without its moments of exaltation. “Global Hot Sauce”, An ode to hot sauce (literally and figuratively) and a play on all three artists’ aliases, is the embrace of the carefree and playful expression of oneself. Lee Global’s soulful and trappy R&B production (on 90’sAnxiety and here) maintains the sonic mystery and familiarity of Wonderland. Featuring Johannesburg-based rhyme siren Sauwcy, the song aims to capture those special moments we all experience —when we feel good and pause to reflect on ourselves and how far we’ve come. The liquid drum and bass inspired “Flow 52” concludes the ride with a passionate and energetic switch-up.
FLOW 52
Created alongside Evida, the executive producer behind the EP, Flow 52 encompasses the collective themes of the 3 songs preceding it; the personal reflections we’re not sure who else relates to, generational observations that feel like hard conversations to spark and this unexplainable confidence we all experience in certain moments which reveal to us who we are at our best: a confidence we wish we could remember and maintain. Alice changes through Wonderland and returns not as the girl who went down the rabbit hole. She is, in this story, in pursuit of that state of flow and undisturbed focus in this highly stimulated world. Yearning for consistency, emphasised through the number of weeks there are in a year, 52. The message of this universe is told here. Wonderland is in the eye of the beholder.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the fiery brilliance of Ava like Lava’s “Malice in Wonderland,” as it sets the music world ablaze with its profound introspection, soulful melodies, and powerful poetic expressions. This is a musical experience you won’t want to miss, a journey that leaves no heart untouched and no soul untransformed. Embrace the wonderland within, as Ava’s EP opens the doors to self-discovery and unravels the magic of her musical prowess.
