Ana & Gene – I Feel So Alive: Whimsical Indie-Rock Gospel for the Ennui-Stricken –

‘Whimsy’ has become a bit of a buzzword lately, but singer-songwriter duo Ana & Gene have been injecting a sticky-sweet sensibility into a synthesis of indie rock and power pop way before the trend took hold. Their latest single, I Feel So Alive, captures the symbiotic sonic force at their most affecting as they coax their international fanbase away from ennui through melodically infectious instrumentals, layered harmonies and a sense of soul which makes their modus operandi of lifting as many people as possible viscerally palpable.

I Feel So Alive, with its swanky, extended blues-rock-esque guitar solo that leads into lush layered harmonies before a hymnal verse from Ana, is gospel for everyone who won’t find salvation on a church pew, but through a pair of rock renegades who have earned their stripes with a side serving of wisdom, recognising the tragedy of lives lost too soon and the ripple effect of addiction.

Chicago-based Ana & Gene bring serious history to that uplift. Gene Roberts’ gold-certified pop background meets Anastacia Bella’s research-driven, emotionally charged songwriting, with their award wins, Josie Music Awards and ISSA Awards nominations, and indie chart success proving their reach stretches far beyond scene-level buzz.

I Feel So Alive is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast