Leslie Sisson

Harmony

For more than a decade, Leslie Sisson has graced myriad projects with her subdued vocals and guitar work, from defunct locals Black Lipstick to her most recent work with Matt Pond PA and Andrew Kenny’s Wooden Birds. Harmony finally brings Sisson to the fore with a debut that calls upon many of those past collaborators even as it shows off the Austinite’s talents. Taking the lead, Sisson still remains entreatingly oblique, skirting the edges of emotions with restraint, whether in the Neko Case touch of “Change” or the soft-light haze of the title track and the beautifully drawn out lull of “Pass.” The influence of Kenny’s melodic guitar tones shades “Other” and “Blues” as “Little” drives slightly harder with an Aimee Mann feel. There’s a calculated tentativeness throughout, which at times could benefit from more of her apparent vocal power and fuller sound (closers “Worth” and “Win”), but Sisson earns the solo spotlight. (Leslie Sisson opens for Tapes ‘n Tapes and Howler at Emo’s East, Wednesday, Oct. 12.)

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This article appears in October 7 • 2011.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.