Website: http://www.alisaboniello.com/
Genre: Power Pop, Dance Pop
Sounds Like: Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, and Selena Gomez
Weakness: EP Release, Barcode, Track 2 Mix
Overall Rating: 7/10
REVIEW:
New Yorkbased Singer/Songwriter Alisa Boniello releases her latest EP entitle Lovestruck in 2012. For this release Boniello collaborated with Grammy Award winning songwriter/producer Barry Eastmond (Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Anita Baker) in co writing the 4 songs that would go on this EP.
The EP kicks things off with the title track a catchy intro piece that serves up hooky melodic pop groove against driving dance rhythm, seductive lyrical content and passionate vocal delivery from Boniello. Track 2 “That Kind of Girl” serves up a spicy pop ditty with thick as brick rhythm section, heartfelt vocals against a grand slam chorus making for an impressive follow up groove. Track 3 “(When) Will) Love Feel Real” keeps things moving in the right direction by combining the perfect balance of pop, dance rock and infectious power-pop. The CD gets off the ground solidly serving up 3 hot tracks in a row. As the EP slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of classic musical acts as Brittany Spears, Pixie Lott, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, and Selena Gomez. The music itself combines classic elements of catchy power pop, rock, and popular dance pop. You will also notice synthetic musical elements layered everywhere from solid low-end rhythms and beats, strings, piano, keyboard accents, well placed soundscapes and lush harmonies layered everywhere. The CD has some truly impressive moments on it showcasing impressive songwriting, world class grooves via an impressive “total package” front from Boniello. Now zeroing in now on Boniello‘s voice: it goes down smooth and has a crystal clear vibrato and impressive falsetto. She’s got mojo and makes the vital (singer to listener) emotional connection with her vocals and overall sex appeal. The EP ends with Track 4 “Why” the perfect heartfelt finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
There’s something odd going on with the mix of Track 2 “That Kind of Girl.” As a result it sticks out in a bad way when compared to other tracks on the EP. I also didn’t notice a barcode on the back of the EP which indicates retail non-compatibility. The aforementioned issues are not typical of top-tiered musical productions. For the record I also deduct a star for EP samplers. A full length release is a more complete snapshot of what an artist is capable of.
Lovestruck from Alisa Boniello showcases an impressive new artist from theNew York. All pieces are short and sweet musical experiences, each one possessing its own signature groove and musical personality to call its own. The melodies and harmonies are well crafted and catchy. Hats off to the Top Flight Production work from Barry Eastmond and company. Last but not least the vocal presence from Alisa Boniello just makes the whole thing work by being infectious and seductive. It’s obvious she’s just letting all hang out musically by being herself.
Cyrus Rhodes
