So, who is Allison Weiss and where has she been hiding? Her latest album is the perfect antidote to living in a Britain where it snows, rains, and burns with sunshine all in one week. Showcasing her folk-influenced brand of upbeat pop music, ‘Say What You Mean’ is an absolute treat, taking the best parts of all your favourite artists, but managing to produce a unique-sounding, summery album.
Opening track ‘Making It Up’ leaves Weiss open to Tegan and Sara comparisons and, if the chorus had another singer involved, you’d be hard-pressed not to think you’d muddled up your downloads. The intro to ‘One Way Love’ wouldn’t be out of place on an old Yellowcard track, as Weiss ups the angrier element of her music and it becomes reminiscent of old female punk bands.
‘Nothing Left’, full of synths and jangly guitars, is one of the greatest pop songs released this year. Yes, it’s just as good as Taylor Swift’s ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. Well, almost. Comparisons to other artists aside, Allison Weiss and her band (they’ve pulled a bit of a Florence and The Machine with that one) are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to pop. Why they haven’t stormed the charts already is a mystery.
It’s impossible not to sway along to ‘I Was An Island’, one of the coolest love songs of the year so far, sounding like an old classic after just one listen, and ‘How To Be Alone’ manages to discuss break ups in an honest but positive way along with a seriously catchy beat. ‘Wait For Me’ and ‘I’ll Be Okay’ continue the themes of longing and saying goodbye as Allison demonstrates her obvious knack for writing honestly about personal experiences.
‘Don’t Go’ is a pop-punk dream, and will no doubt soundtrack several road trips when the weather brightens up, and ‘Hole In Your Heart’ takes a rockier approach to the folk influence. Title track ‘Say What You Mean’ is one of the more disappointing tracks on the album, failing to live up to its cheerier predecessors, but is pleasant enough as filler goes.
If you haven’t fallen in love with Allison by the time final track ‘I’ll Be Okay’ rolls around in particular, you must have a heart of stone. Her cutesy singing, combined with rolling drums and atmospheric strings, is irresistible.
For some, Allison’s constant references to her, apparently unsuccessful, love life, ‘Say What You Mean’ might be a bit too cheesy and quick-tempo considering the subject matter, but, for those looking for a female singer-songwriter that avoids playing the victim or filling their tracks with teenage angst, look no further. Allison Weiss (and her backing band) are a must hear.
KATHRYN BLACK