Leah Andreone
Veiled (RCA)

5 stars (out of 5): Looking particularly uninspiring on the cover of Veiled, Leah Andreone is actually a unique and talented singer/songwriter with a lot more passion than her photograph might imply.

Andreone's vocal approach -- soothing and melodic on the whole -- unexpectedly soars with gut-wrenching wails, in a word: works.

"Mother Tongue" enables the singer to explore the full extent of her vocal abilities, reaching from the depths to the heights of her range. The song is an easy-flowing, angst-ridden self-analysis of a bad love. Andreone sings, "I could lose everything / surrendering to you / Like praying to a god above / Who doesn't even want to know you."

Another love-gone-bad is reflected on "You Make Me Remember". It's clear Andreone is looking for an out on this ballad: "You speak my name / I hear nothing / You share your dreams / I see nothing... You make me remember / Things I want to forget."

Child abuse and its effects on children are addressed on the tune "Problem Child". Stark and blatantly honest, Andreone sings, "If I'm real bad will you punish me / The contact hurts but at least you're touching me... Watch your mistakes / Swimming down my face." The tune ends abruptly with "Why won't you pay attention / Hung from a rope, then you'll know me." Moving and brilliant.

Nary a song goes by on the record where there isn't a reference to a higher power, but her tact is by no means preachy in tone. Andreone's self-examinational songwriting merely reflects overall human condition -- uncertainties, relationships, and situations that most listeners will identify with.

Andreone's band, drummer David Raven, guitarist John Shanks and a various mix of sidemen, really kicked up the dust for this newcomer. Bassist/guitarist Rick Neigher also doubles as producer.

Veiled is a exciting debut for this relative unknown, worth checking into for the top-notch cuts: "Happy Birthday," "It's Alright It's OK," "Come Sunday Morning" and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow."

Perhaps judging an artist (or a book for that matter) by its cover is a mistake. Leah Andreone is far more deep and talented once the time is taken to get to know her.

Lisa Fairbanks