VII

VII, the debut solo album by Chrissy Costanza, was released on October 9, 2024, and represents a fresh musical direction that highlights her personal journey as an artist. Known primarily as the frontwoman of Against The Current, Costanza ventured into new creative territory with VII, blending pop-rock, alternative, and cinematic pop elements. This album showcases her signature vocal prowess while diving deeper into lyrical themes of self-reflection, resilience, and growth. Working with VOILÀ, a Los Angeles-based pop duo consisting of Luke Eisner and Gus Ross, she collaborated closely on each track, allowing her voice to shine in new contexts while retaining the authenticity and emotional depth that has captivated her fanbase since her early days.

Produced by Gus Ross, Hosu Yoon, and Luke Eisner, VII has an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. The production teams behind the album, including Joel Wanasek as the mixing engineer and Maor Appelbaum for mastering, aimed to create a sonically rich experience that’s both polished and raw. Costanza’s album production is ambitious, with tracks ranging from intense anthems to introspective ballads, each wrapped in atmospheric production that brings her lyrics to the forefront. The lead single, “But, What If I Fly?,” opens the album with a surge of optimism, embodying the idea of pushing past fear and uncertainty to embrace new challenges. This track is emblematic of Costanza’s journey, capturing the highs and lows of taking risks in both life and music.

One standout track, “7 Minutes in Hell,” featuring VOILÀ, explores a darker, more introspective side, delving into moments of doubt and vulnerability. Here, the interplay between Costanza and VOILÀ’s vocal dynamics adds layers to the narrative, painting a haunting portrait of self-discovery amid chaos. “Pick Your Poison” is another highlight, with biting lyrics that explore the allure and dangers of self-destructive tendencies. It’s a high-energy, riff-heavy track that brings back shades of pop-punk, allowing Costanza’s more rebellious side to surface. These thematic explorations allow VII to be both a personal statement and a reflection on universal struggles, drawing listeners into a relatable journey.

Other tracks like “If Looks Could Kill, You’d Be Right” and “Some Like It Hot” showcase Costanza’s lyrical wit and creativity. “If Looks Could Kill, You’d Be Right” has an almost cinematic quality, blending strong basslines with haunting melodies, while “Some Like It Hot” embraces a playful attitude, diving into the complexities of attraction and confidence. Costanza uses these songs to further establish her versatility, demonstrating that she can seamlessly navigate between lighter, playful moments and more intense emotional landscapes.

The closing track, “I Tried to Act Your Age,” rounds out the album with an introspective look back at Costanza’s journey from her beginnings to where she stands today. The song’s somber tone and acoustic arrangement lend a feeling of closure and maturity to the album, as Costanza reflects on lessons learned and the challenges of growing up in the public eye. This track captures the heart of VII, giving listeners a final, intimate moment with the artist.

Overall, VII represents Chrissy Costanza’s evolution as a musician and her readiness to take on new challenges outside of her work with Against The Current. The album’s themes of resilience, self-discovery, and taking ownership of one’s narrative resonate deeply, making VII not just an album but a personal manifesto that marks a significant milestone in Costanza’s career.