With a voice like Cat Power fused with the spirit of Regina Spektor, what is there not to love about Sydney Wayser and her latest LP The Colorful?

At first Wayser may sound like yet another raspy-voiced songstress playing with her toys, but it isn’t long until you realize this artist is more than just a beginner’s banjo and a five dollar tambourine.

That’s not to say, however, that she doesn’t use them.

“I wrote mostly everything on piano and children's toys,” says Wayser. The 22-year-old, who spent her days growing up between L.A. and Paris, worked with producer Blaze McKenzie and engineer Mike DiSanto to create a melodically lighthearted gem in the grit and grime of New York City.

Tracks “Banjo Bayou” and “Lullaby” implement a childlike, whimsical feel that, if not careful, could lose too much maturity and would never be taken seriously. Wayser takes that challenge head on while cueing sparkling bells, rhythmic hand claps, a rubbery banjo, and even a raw whistle or two.

She is even open about the inspiration of her songs, as wacky and oddly derived as they may seem. “La Di Da” serves as a windy ode to Woody Allen’s Annie Hall and opener “Bells” shows off Wayser’s keen piano skills while shedding light on her evolving relationship with ....New York City.... itself.

It seems, too, that each song on the album begins to create its own special identity. “Wrap Me in A Blanket” is as warm with rhythm and spirit as its name would suggest, and “Pomegranate” seems like an old throw back to carnivals and cotton candy.

But the album’s true shining moments rest in tracks “Drive-In Not Drive-Through” and “Whistles and Kazoos.” There’s an extra element found in both these songs: spontaneity. While the entire album is polished to just the right shine, both these tracks remain rather rough, wooden and jumbled. Much like an artist’s live performance, it’s that kind of primitive feel and honesty that gives it character and believability—something that takes The Colorful to another level.

If one thing’s for sure it’s that Wayser knows what she’s doing. Whether it’s a tiny rainbow xylophone or a Gibson guitar, she’s certainly not afraid to experiment or play with any toys thrown her way.

Label: Unsigned
Release Date: 04/22/09

- Matthew Anderson