Band: Marlana Sheetz
Album: Sitting While Singing
Genre: Folk/Indie pop

Tracks:
1. The Coat Song
2. Mexican Escape
3. Call It Lovely
4. God Made Swing Sets
5. Aurora
6. Mona Lisa

It seems only fitting to kick off the new year with new music for you all to discover. I can think of no better way to kick off 2009 in the world of UTG than by sharing the passionate singer/songwriter Marlana Sheetz with you, our friends and readers. Hailing from California, Sheetz carries the heart of a Midwest girl with the mind of a city slicker wrapped up into a non fabricated beauty with a voice that one cannot resist. Sitting While Singing, the debut work from this young talent, has all the signs of the next big thing and we couldn’t agree more.

The EP begins with, “The Coat Song,” a near jazz like rhythm meets storytelling lyrics that don’t rely on heartache or oppression to make an impact. This tale of a day in the life and a conversation in the making leaps from the speakers and paints a movie scene for us all to enjoy and if that’s not enough for you, “Mexican Escape,” continues this vibe with ease. This is easily the most solid track Sheetz has to offer, as it feels made for top 40 radio, but still holds heart and passion in the vocals and a catchy guitar riff that would fit any coffee shop setting. Reminiscing seems to be the goal here and it is achieved wonderfully.

The middle three tracks offer us a bit more variety than we’ve yet to get. “Cal it Lovely,” gives us a early 70’s female folk throwback in lyrics with a jazz pop rhythm that makes everything feel very atmospheric. There’s some wonderful harmonies here, but all done with the softest touch in order to not overpowered the gentleness of the track. “God Made Swing Sets,” kicks off Taylor Swift type music and flow, but Sheetz has a more refined writing style that twists words like Jason Mraz without copying anything I’ve hear in quite awhile and, “Aurora,” a near tip to early Alanis Morissette gone acoustic, continues this aspect.

To me, the EP is sealed in gold with the beautifully simple, yet complex, “Mona Lisa.” I’m a strong believer that the last track is the wind in the sails to a record and if that’s the case, “Mona Lisa,” has Sheetz set to takeover America in no time. Her intelligent songwriting is met with  a single acoustic and electric  accompaniment with references to famous painters and foreign lands. Any teen or young adult woman can relate to this tale of love and the way words impact us. It shines through and through.

Marlana Sheetz is the first name to emerge in 2009 as, “Someone to look out for.” Having just started out, Sheetz shows the matured of a seasoned vet and the diversity of someone years ahead of her. The music cascades over lyrics that stick to your heart like muscle to your bones. We can all relate to what Marlana Sheetz has to say and if you don’t think this means you, then you’ve got another thing coming. Taylor Swift – look out. 

*Written By: James Shotwell*
9/10

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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