Anya Parker-Lentz - The Giving

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AnyaParker-Lentz - The Giving
2012, Anya Parker-LentzThe first time you see AnyaParker-Lentz you might think she’s a typical American teenage girl.  You would be wrong.  Parker-Lentz has an understanding of linkbetween art and life that extends far beyond her sixteen years.  Her debut EP, The Giving, shows the growing pains of youth, but also the powerfultalent that causes people who have never heard her before to stop and listen.

The Giving opens with "Staredown", a modern teen pop love song with aquietly memorable chorus. Parker-Lentz' voice is a wonderfully enigmatic altothat calls to mind a mix of Stevie Nicks and Alexa Ray Joel. "Not TryingTo Hurt You" is a maudlin ballad with solid pop sensibility. Derived froma simple piano riff into a minimalist arrangement, this number feels heavy andnever manages to soar in spite of an appealing chorus. "Stuck InLimbo" is an emotionally drawn ballad of longing and pain. The song is wellconstructed but feels forced lyrically.

"The Giving" explores a martyrdom concept of love in stilted, awkwardturns of language. Parker-Lentz manages to achieve an AAA radio sound here; ifshe can smooth out the lyrical struggles she just might have a hit on herhands. "Wake Up Alice" begins as a dark and chaotic waltz but quicklyresolves into a sing-song take on teenage angst seen through the eyes of LewisCarroll's most famous protagonist. Parker-Lentz calls out a dysfunctional lovein "Walking Out". She's fully on the mark this time out, with astrident melody and catchy hook. The Giving comes to a quiet close with"Lullaby", which is too dark and full of shadows to be restful. Thisis the best track on the EP, showing a growing maturity in Parker-Lentz as asongwriter.

Anya Parker-Lentz is still quite young at the tender age of 16. Her enigmaticvoice can make that easy to forget at times, even as her awkward lyricalstumbles serve as a reminder. The Givingis a mix of blessings and blemishes, but clearly shows a burgeoning talentstruggling to break free from the chains of adolescence.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more at www.anyaparkerlentz.com.