Bubbly riffs and sugary-sweet vocals coat Tennessee-bred Jag Star’s latest release, Static Bliss. Fronted by Sarah Lewis, an infectiously charming, able lead vocalist and song-writer, the band has thus far been featured on MTV’s “The Hills.”

Though officially listed as alternative rock/pop, this particular release definitely caters more toward the latter, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Creating an unexpected experience, Jag Star mixes happy melodies with relatively deep lyrics, providing an unorthodox – though welcome – pedestal for the up-and-coming back to stand on.

Its first track, “Talk to Me” is a bold, yet sensitive, effort to gain the trust of an emotionally scarred partner. Wary of romance and all forms of emotional attachment, the silent interlocutor shies away from Lewis’ persistent embrace, but she urges him to find the courage to love again. The opening riff immediately sends a familiar comfort to the listener, evoking images of cinematic, blissful reunions.

As the lyrics begin, she croons: “Talk to me/candidly/set all of your secrets free/open up/let me in/I will bring you back again.” As the song reaches its crescendo, she reveals surprisingly attractive and heartfelt vocals, ultimately cementing the sheer strength of this number.

The best aspect of Lewis’ performance deals with her power of expressionism; instead of simply flaunting her vocal prowess, she fully articulates each intricate emotion within her rather large repertoire. Her voice may not be remarkably strong, but it is pleasant to the ear, possessing a kindly innocence that makes her work so disarming.

While the music is mindlessly catchy, the lyrics often catch the listener off-guard in their depth, showcasing a certain level of incongruence with the melody. Surprisingly enough, it works.

A particularly charming number is entitled “Sofie,” about a mother singing to her beloved daughter. “Sofie, Sofie/Cupid’s arrow shot right through me,” she softly exclaims, with samples of a child’s cooing in the background. While the inspirational words at the beginning of the song may seem cliché, they are enveloped in the realization of Sofie’s naiveté. A newborn has absolutely no idea that the world goes by fast, or that she must smell the flowers at every opportunity to embrace life. All of these highly overdone ideas are fresh and new and extraordinarily useful; and, as such, appear in this light on “Sofie.”

“Pressure,” Static Bliss’ first video release, is a decidedly danceable beat, not at all matching the harried lyrics – a matter which isn’t necessarily a problem. “Can’t Make You Happy” grows more somber in tone, and Lewis appropriately loses some of the brightness in hers.

The album loses some of its bliss-pop in “Rewind,” a harsher and overall heavier number about regretting one’s behavior in relationship. Lewis experiments with voice tricks here, alternating between use of her head and chest registers. Overall, this is one of Static Bliss’ stronger pieces.

It continues with “A Different Road,” another number about the necessity of ending a relationship.

Unfortunately, after that, the album’s quality begins to diminish, with the exception of “Don’t Go Away,” if only because it doesn’t sound like any other song on the collection. It contains greater use of guitar than the other numbers, and at times possesses a haunting feel.

Though the lyrics on Jag Star’s latest release are commendable, the musicianship is only mediocre, which is perfectly acceptable. Pop never claimed to be Led Zeppelin, The Count Basie Orchestra or Jimi Hendrix. For its intentions, it’s perfectly successful.

So next time you’re craving something irresistibly sweet, nix the calories and grab some Static Bliss. The hours of engaging and uninterrupted dancing will leave a gloriously grateful waistline.

Related posts:

1. Cheryl Ann Allen stars as Sophie Tucker in Person The Players Theatre Three Performances ONLY! Sunday, October 2; Sunday, October 9 & Sunday October 23 at 6PM New York: Cheryl Ann Allen brings to life the music, humor and drama of one...
2. Enter the Norwegian Songstress Ida Maria’s new album, “Katla” provides an edgy punk pop sound chock full of indie lyrics and beats to exploding electric guitar solos. Maria’s eight track album is a cross...