PETRA Packs An Alt-Pop Punch

By: Troy Kowalchuk

Petra Jarrar has released her debut LP Dancing Without You, an emotional pop project blending modern production with retro vocal stylings. PETRA has been coined as “New York’s Pop Darling” through her nostalgic ear-wormy pop tracks. Dancing Without You uses many of the stylings she’s been known for, but now with a nine-track polished project. However, with retro influences comes imitation and stagnant melodies. PETRA defines herself as a rising alt-pop artist with plenty of promise.

The title track of this project came with a bright video in homage to PETRA’s late father adding further meaning and power to the project. According to the artist, “’Dancing Without You’ was inspired by the death of my father, who passed away three years ago unexpectedly from stage VI lung cancer. What made it all so shocking was losing him two months after the diagnosis. After he passed, I didn’t know how to carry on, and live my life the way I used to.” While the death of her father had caused her to feel aimless, she used music to find her way back noting, “However, knowing my father, I knew that he never wanted me to stop doing everything I loved and achieving my dreams. This album is about experiencing growth from grief, going through all five stages and ranges of emotions, and learning how to ‘dance’ again. Named after my first single, “Dancing Without You,” both the song and album represent the ideas of learning to live life again even after one of the worst imaginable tragedies.”

Knowing the story behind “Dancing Without You” makes it an even more powerful visual and strong intro to the project. It shows PETRA at her best, a track that feels nostalgic and heals the listener. It is an encouraging send-off to keep moving forward and never forget the people as you move on. PETRA glimmers in her most emotional, vulnerable self.

If there is one word to describe the album though it’s triumphant. PETRA excels in her ability to write about overcoming pain and hardship. Each track explores a variety of challenges from breakups to loss, overcoming criticism and more. Every single ultimately has the message that no matter how hard life gets there are always ways to get through it and grow. Arrangement wise, PETRA has a knack for combining the past with the present. In the majority of the album PETRA’s vocals are reminiscent of the late The Cranberries’ singer Dolores O’Riordan. With more pop elements and lyrics, PETRA still places herself as an original artist, but carries tinges of the iconic lead vocalist.

Throughout the album PETRA shifts from pop ballads, alternative indie jams to folkish arrangements. Dancing Without You begins with “Get It Good,” which in this reviewer’s opinion, is the weakest track of the project. Lyrically and melodically PETRA falters a few times in the verses, falling into a variety of pop lyrical clichés that it is here where her love of nostalgia keeps her imitative. Luckily, she quickly redeems herself on the track “Luckboy,” which is reminiscent of early 00’s pop ballads a la Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton. With bright guitars and a jubilant vocal arrangement, “Luckboy” is an inspiring break-up anthem.

For the remainder of the project, PETRA explores various genres spanning decades of alternative pop, crafting a project that presents itself as a timeless tribute of the artists before her. This comes as both an advantage and hindrance. For a variety of the tracks the nostalgic feel is empowering, but at times the production feels stilted. A notable selection of the arrangements come across as uninspired as there is an energy that is missing. However, it’s clear that PETRA has an ingenuity in songwriting and does not lack magnetism songs such as “Luckboy,” “Can’t Fall In Love With You,” “Starry Eyed Child” and most notably “Dancing Without You” all mix classic elements with a captivating nuance.

Overall, PETRA’s record shows that she is a promising alt-pop artist. Avoiding the cliché Top 40 pop production, she shows how expansive pop can still be. She offers a new voice through the nostalgia of our favorite alt-pop icons of the past. Her words are moving, her stories are genuine and she offers a divergent voice in mass-produced pitch-perfect pop sounds that are becoming too common in the industry.

While there are a few songs that felt uninspired, there is enough potential that could see PETRA bringing back many elements of the beloved genres. She just needs to find a way to merge classics with distinction. Dancing Without You is for any person who needs a pep talk, motivation and wants to relive the best parts of alt-pop.