As of late, alternative record label Tooth & Nail has been signing some rather non-alternative artists to its roster, in a bid, it seems, to broaden its appeal to a wider number of
Christian music fans. Acoustic-pop sister duo Poema is the latest such addition, and in some ways seem to have been a rather inspired choice. The two sisters, Elle and
Shealeen, never originally intended on becoming professional musicians, but encouragement from friends and family made them decide to give it a shot. Of course, one thing led to another
(as these things do) and the sisters were noticed by a Tooth & Nail representative during one of their sets, which eventually led to the duo being signed on to the alternative
music label and starting work on their debut EP with well-known producer Aaron Sprinkle.
The EP itself has a happy vibe to it, also managing to be upbeat as well as acoustic. From the very start, there are absolutely no pretensions that this is a "ballad-y slow pop project,"
as "2 AM" sets a catchy rhythm that is echoed by "City Boy." The pace slows down for the sweetly considerate ballad "Feel The Same Way," then picks itself up again in time for the chorus of
"Echo Off The Sky." The EP concludes with the reminiscing "Safe To Say" and sad yet faithful "Blue Sweater." I wouldn't say that their sound is the next big thing since Taylor Swift
because, quite frankly, they sometimes sound like an improved version of the big-hit country-pop singer. However, if I were given a choice between the aforementioned country-pop singer and Poema,
I'd still choose Poema. Why? Well, they don't sound overproduced, candy-coated or standardised like most of the big-timers do; in other words, these girls have spirit. On the weaker side of
things, "Sing It Out" has only one major failing: lyrical maturity. Sure, the lyrics come across as honest and genuine, but this particular reviewer found the teenage "boy-meets-girl,
girl-falls-for-boy, boy-is-biggest-star-in-girl's-life" themes a wee bit soppy. As co-reviewer Roger Gelwicks also points out, we guys probably aren't the target audience of this EP. Still,
there are many ways to write about love that are far more in depth and meaningful, and capture the heart's emotion in a way that is far more likely to touch you.
However you feel about the lyrical content, it's obvious that this small sister-duo band has got a certain spark about it that adds life to what might have otherwise been "just another
acoustic-pop album." It's not perfect (and will anything ever be? I guess we can only keep hoping), but it aims in the right direction. Given some time travelling up that road, and a
full length release, Poema could easily surpass where they're at now. It's things like that which give me something to look forward to from this band.
- Review date: 3/21/10, written by Adam Dawson of Jesusfreakhideout.com
One of Tooth & Nail Records' more distinctive signings in recent memory, Poema makes their debut as signed artists with Sing It Now, an EP accurately
displaying their acoustic pop abilities. Sisters Elle and Shealeen Puckett present six songs of love and wishings of love, and with accomplished producing talents courtesy
of Aaron Sprinkle, Sing It Now is a lovely-sounding recording. With a legitimately effective use of pianos and guitars as well as charmingly-simple compositions
in tow, there's a reason the Pucketts are signed artists at their age (17 and 19 years old!). But with this factor comes an unavoidable aura of musical and lyrical youthfulness
that will fail to appeal to listeners across the board. There is nothing inappropriate or out-of-place about the themes presented here, but it's hard to take this release's
focus on "girl-likes-boy" material completely seriously. Granted, this reviewer is not the primary target of this music, but better lyrical depth would have improved the
EP's overall allure; with more experience as signed artists, the Pucketts will inevitably improve on this front, as well as vocally. Essential Records' Tal & Acacia set a
high bar in their genre last year, and while Sing It Now doesn't quite match that level of charisma, it's an undeniably attractive release, and Poema's future looks
bright as a result.
- Roger Gelwicks of Jesusfreakhideout.com