Allison Weiss on purevolume™

Folk Rock / Powerpop / Acoustic

We're not living in a great age for female singer-songwriters who play acoustic guitars. Unlike the heyday of the mid-1990s, when there were enough to pack a Lilith Fair, the present trends more toward heavy production and bouncing around with a microphone. Local songwriter Allison Weiss, who won't turn 20 until April, is a strong exception to that, and her gift is that she shoots straight for earnestness without the hippie downside that often accompanies it.

Imagine, for example, if someone like Jewel had been able to write strummy little songs without cringe-inducing lyrics about social consciousness. That is, girl-plus-guitar is a great formula if the girl is bold and interesting, and Weiss certainly is. I don't want to say she has maturity beyond her years because that would imply something much grayer than her sweet, direct sound. What she sounds like is a smart 19-year-old with a ton of self-confidence that somehow makes her appealing, not annoying, even to a habitual introvert. Call it Daisy Miller-ish unflappability.

Weiss also sings simply, avoiding the vibrato techniques of most "American Idol" competitors, which is as refreshing as the unpretentious melodies of her tunes. Pick a favorite tune? It's difficult to do so, which is a mark of quality, but there are particular moments on "Perfectly Alright" (the vocal turn into "not the good kind") that could be nominated. Categorize this debut album overall as apricot-flavored: delicate, unusual, promising great ripeness, and worth a chance.

Hillary Brown, Flagpole

important links
- www.allisonw.com
- me on myspace