Album Review: ‘Exit Wounds’ by Olivia Penalva

In her new album, Exit Wounds, Olivia Penalva covers how healing is a long and complicated journey, yet proves that you don’t have to get stuck in that loop. The British Columbia-born singer-songwriter explores the healing of past wounds through her soundtrack’s narrative progression. Sometimes, the only way out is through, to let yourself feel the pain instead of suppressing it. Her album is a reminder that for us to heal, we should acknowledge that there is a scar to deal with in the first place.

Penalva’s memorable hooks and catchy melodies are featured consistently throughout the album. Along with the acoustic instrumentation and her vocals, complementing the singer’s lyricism, the production evolves alongside the stories being told by each song.

The first track is “Distance Makes a Love Story,” a fast-paced pop song that revolves around romantic longing while chasing your dreams. The combination of an energetic beat with twangy guitar strums in the background warmly supports the vocals, making the lyrics stand out even more. It conveys the ironic feeling of achieving your goals yet still caring for the love you once let go of in the past. The song asks, despite the metaphorical and literal distance between the couple: would the ounce of love left from back then be enough to still open the door when one of them knocks once again? 

If the first track has a sequel, it would be the sixth song on the album, “Mercy.” It captures the doubts within Penalva, as she sings, “would you still choose me?” despite knowing how their story ends. The lyricism reveals the complicated relationship between heart and mind, how difficult it is to leave even when logically it seems like a mature decision. The emotional wreck still feels like a heart’s collision.

The next track is “Code Blue,” which shows the vulnerable side of missing someone. Penalva uses codes in the medical field as a metaphor, comparing the immense pain of a breakup to cardiac arrest. The song captures the transition from loving to leaving someone, and the maturity that comes with having self-awareness. She writes, “the past is a trap, so detach, don’t look back.” 

The metaphor of heartaches is greatly captured by the tracks “Cold Tea” and “Waiting Room.” Penalva expresses how someone has the choice to either leave or be paralyzed in the relationship that used to burn with loving fate, yet now turns into a lukewarm state. These tracks embody the album’s concept, that a scar won’t be able to heal on its own — it requires one to have the courage to stop letting the past control what will be. The songs’ upbeat melodies, rhythmic drive, and energetic production complement the delivery of Penalava’s lyrics.

“Daisy Says” is a hopeful track. It demonstrates that despite the past, Penalva’s heart still carries the best part of the relationship. She  explores the complicated journey of healing that we all need to experience, as she sings, “hurt to learn, learn to grow, grow to know.” 

If there was an epilogue for some of the central themes of the album, it would be “Exit Wounds.” It admits that the spark of their love is still somewhere in her heart, while the emotional trauma and heartbreak from their relationship quietly linger in hidden corners. At times, we have the courage to walk away yet are still human enough to feel the ache. 

The last track, “Getting Out of Dodge,” shows the strength of letting go and discovering self-worth. It’s the decision to not let the past have the final say.

Exit Wounds is an album that balances upbeat production with thoughtful lyricism. Its narrative songwriting makes each track a story, while the mix of energetic beats and acoustic instrumentals makes the album engaging to listen to. This masterpiece shows that emotionally vulnerable storytelling doesn’t always have to come in a slower or solemn melody, as it manages to express emotions in a catchy way.