Amie Miriello

Amie Miriello sounds strangely familiar at times. Spinning her record, you get a comfortable feeling, as if you've known her since the late '90s, when many similar female artists hit the scene — think Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos, and Alanis Morissette. One can definitely hear angry grrrl echoes of Morissette on I Came Around, the debut record of Connecticut-based Miriello. However, if you think Miriello is just an imitator rehashing old influences, think again. She comfortably uses them to make a sound of her own. A good example is her taking ownership of The Smashing Pumpkins' "Disarm" with a daring countrified arrangement that is miles away from the original. Also worth mentioning is the title track, an upbeat number about bouncing back from a bad breakup. "The Beauty of Goodbye" reflects on the need for moving on even as one feels lonely. Let's hope that Miriello will not be just another face in the crowd of newcomers, but will make herself heard loud and clear, just as Alanis and her sisters did.