Olya Sonica captivates with dreamy sound on new single “Let Me In” off debut album “Alchemy”

Just under two years after her debut in 2022, LA-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Olya Sonica is making 2024 her biggest year yet with the release of a new album, Alchemy, and a new single, “Let Me In.” A firm believer in the rock ‘n’ roll that dominated the second half of the 20th century, Olya is continuing to bring back that retro sound within the context of the present day, whether it be the ripping guitars heard on a majority of her songs or the rousing vocals she brings to the table.

With “Let Me In,” she’s taking on an appropriately mystical aesthetic for the single, just in time for Halloween, but also a display of stylistic range she can reach that’s separate from the pure rock she thrives in. Despite being less Blondie and Joan Jett, the track signals an effort to branch off and cover every corner of rock ‘n’ roll, this time experimenting with the psychedelia of Pink Floyd as if the original lineup was transported to today and given modern equipment.

While always one to take her own path without a care for what others think, something that was first heard on “Doing It Without You,” “Let Me In” is the kind of song that subtly bewitches you through its spell. Her voice, in particular, commands attention in between brief moments where she sings softly and bleeds into the background of the instrumentation. The contrast between those two voices could understandably be mistaken for coming from different people.

However, watching the music video for “Let Me In” shows how much of herself Olya gives to each song. Besides proving that she indeed possesses the two voices, the rapid editing and psychedelic visuals reflect the track’s engrossing quality, gradually bringing you in and not letting you go like one of her more anthemic rock riots.

Alchemy, her debut album, arrives as the culmination of years worth of work Olya put in. Having moved from Moscow to New York and finally to LA, the jump from teaching herself English to releasing an entire album in English exemplifies the rapid growth of a hungry artist. Upon Alchemy dropping on Oct. 24, Olya threw an album release party at Hotel Ziggy alongside The Dirty Shirts and Veronica Bianqui, complete with live performances and flash tattoos.

Aside from the name of the hotel, that sort of star-aligning moment is enough to inspire confidence in the revival of rock ‘n’ roll that she’s pioneering. 

Words: David Sosa

“Let Me In” by Olya Sonica is out now on streaming services. For more on new music and future shows, follow her on Instagram and her website.