Amelia

This record has a definite jazz hue throughout it, courtesy of the sultry and whispering delivery of Teisha Helgerson. Her tone on the mid-tempo, adult-contemporary style of Wings brings to mind a mix of Rosanne Cash and Natalie Merchant. The arrangement on the song is another strong asset, a fusion of country, folk and jazz. Marigolds contains a light pop radio-friendly flavor to it, with Helgerson never missing the mark from start to finish. Musically it could be stronger, especially with less piano and possibly more guitar or even mandolin. Fans of His Name Is Alive would find refuge in this number. Amelia never venture into strange territories despite using a myriad of instruments. No Valentine is a subtle Mexican tinged tune but has something in common with REM's Bang And Blame. Unfortunately False Start is a bit too busy with its electric guitar, acoustic guitar and quirky keyboard touches. Never throwing away a lyric, Make Believe is as close the group will come to a waltz or dirge a la Cowboy Junkies. "What a mess a memory makes when you drag it around," is possibly the album's hidden gem lyrically. When the band move into an uplifting mood, the result is quite appeasing. Safe And Sound has a slight acoustic up-tempo sway to it, bringing to mind 10,000 Maniacs unplugged. Come Clean also falls into this blueprint, but leans more towards a harder drumbeat. Stranded as well as Linger contain an alt.country angle while Helgerson shines with a powerful and captivating vocal. The sorrow and melancholy jazz texture to the album makes Amelia the distant Southern sober cousins of Beautiful South circa Blue Is The Color. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide