Angels Undercover

This young Tennessee native shows considerable promise as a singer/songwriter on his debut EP Angels Undercover. As an American Idol entrant, Leming intrigued viewers with his tales of Jack Kerouac-like vagabondage across the U.S.A. His journeys of self-discovery are hinted at in “This Cigar” and “Theysay,” a pair of thoughtfully tormented coming-of-age confessions. He grapples with issues of faith and family in the title tune and confronts adolescent confusion head-on with “Arctic Outcry Wind.” Most affecting is “To Run,” a tale of romantic breakdown that display his earnest, oddly British-accented vocals to full advantage. Leming betrays the pop instincts of a budding Ben Folds or Andrew McMahon in these tracks, playing angst-ridden lyrics against billowy (if slightly meandering) piano-centered melodies. It’s no insult to point out that these songs are the work of a beginner — there’s a sense of unaffected talent here that many an established artist might envy. Experience will surely advance Leming’s music further but as it stands, Angels Undercover is a commendable starting point.