Shelby's Songs

"Album Review

Released when she was barely into her teens, From in the Shadows is a surprisingly self-assured debut. Starner's vocals recall the semi-detached tone of Fiona Apple, but there's also a hint of Victoria Williams' quirky inflections. Starner is capably backed musically, and Marc Ribot guests on "Dreams You Had." The lyrics occasionally are awkward and give away her youth, but Starner's vocals imbibe the songs with a world-weary sincerity that makes them work. She succeeds best on the simple, piano ballad "You," which is insightful and contains a striking balance of sarcasm and grace. Other highlights include the simmering "Empty Mind," the dreamy, shifting "Masquerade," and the brooding "Dripping Wax." Far from perfect, From in the Shadows is still appealing (particularly to fans of artists like Alanis Morrisette and Apple) and reveals Starner to be a singer/songwriter to keep an eye on in the future.