Grace Stumberg - Affect

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Grace Stumberg - Affect
2012, Popadelic RecordsGraceStumberg proves that big things come in small packages.  The 4’11” singer/songwriter from Buffalo, NewYork has a voice as big and powerful as she is small.  Her 2011 debut album, To Whom It May Concern, was a groundbreaking fresh of air thatmixed unusually subtle songwriting for a 22-year old with an unusual musicalconscience.  Stumberg remakes herselfwith her sophomore effort, Affect,finding a heartier, soulful vocal sound and a more confident stance as asongwriter.

Stumberg starts out by lampooning pop culture and clichés about what it takesto make it as a performer in "Flaunt This". The song reflects amaturing worldview and sense of self that is healthy and fired by a tell itlike it is attitude. Stumberg's voice has a sultry and soulful side that wasless evident on her debut. The result is a splendidly acerbic pop song full ofa sensual anger. "America's Got Talent" is a tuneful and buoyant songof disaffection with the state of music, lamenting the fact that so many peopleboth within the industry and without forget that it’s all about the music.  “Song For Grace Potter” is a gritty call outby Stumberg of a one-time idol who went corporate.  It’s a classic “you sold out” message, butthe air of condescension here is a bit pretentious from one so young, anddoesn’t necessarily reflect well on Stumberg. It is, however, a fine way to garner some attention, calculated or otherwise.

“So Cruel”plays on the theme of relationship games. It’s a taunting number that findsStumberg in her upper range for much of the song.  While capable here, her comfortable range isdown an octave, the combination of pitch and drawn out vocal line borders onuncomfortable at times.  “Limbo” exploresthe sort of relationship purgatory where one of the two simply stopscommunicating.  The frustration and needhere are palpable, and Stumberg is in her best voice.  “Happier Side” is a song of desperation forhope, and fitting for the times we live in. Stumberg’s band moves together as if one organism and she fires the songfrom the opening notes with a voice that sounds iconic.“It’s NoGood” is a bit generic in construction, but thrives on the strength andpersonality in Stumberg’s voice.  “RootBeer Fairy” on the other hand, is a silly/fun party song with a dark side.  Stumberg lets down her hair and rocks outwith her locks out, selling the song through conviction and force ofpersonality.  “Ring Song” is an angrydiatribe about a friend getting married. The message is a warning, but there’s an undercurrent of anger her thatsuggests deeper investment perhaps.  Thearrangement matches the message in-line, full of angry guitar hooks and somedevastating solos.  Stumberg brings thecurtain down with a dreamy, acoustic number called “Appreciate”.  The song itself is impressive, but therecording itself sounds very much out of place, having the messy aura of a demorecording alongside all of the highly polished rock and roll that came before.

GraceStumberg continues to grow as a singer, songwriter and performer.  Her efforts on Affect speak to some wonderful successes and also some distinctivegrowing pains.  Stumberg offers firmstances and strong opinions in song in a rapidly maturing voice.  Stumberg might overreach at times, but she’scertain to get attention in the process. Musically, the album is very well done, and Stumberg continues to haveone of the most intriguing young voices in rock music.Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more atwww.gracestumberg.com.