Set for release Friday and coming on the boot heels of her 2005 EP, "Far As I'm Concerned" (produced by Joey Muller), these additional tracks and careful remixes, self-released and produced by Gawain Mathews, cross over a full spectrum of musical sub-genres, combining the ear-pleasing yodels of lullaby folk songs, the Buddy Holly hiccups of countrified ballads and the sporadic power chords of indie rock.
This mish-mash of influences and musical styles in these 10 songs, if somewhat confusing, puts George in good company. There are echoes of Lucinda Williams and Sheryl Crow - even Bonnie Raitt - in songs like "Flaming Red" and "This Town." Both are ballads in the grand tradition of a woman's wistful declaration of independence - where a smalltown girl shakes off the dust of some wide spot in the road.
But in the derivative "Ghost" there are too many, too-close-for-comfort similarities to Tom Petty's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," and the lyrics to "Nothing But Love" don't hold up. Still, there's just enough of Victoria George in the much stronger, Bonnie Raitt-influenced "Don't Worry 'Bout Breakin' My Heart" for the young singer-songwriter to call that one her own.
To his credit, producer Mathews resists the temptation to overpower this collection with too many bells and whistles, concentrating instead on a pared-down approach to production values, allowing the songs to stand alone. The talented Mathews has placed his stamp on nearly every one of these songs, and in more ways than one, as it is his bottleneck guitar that spruces up many of the CD's sweeter tracks.
To be sure, George is backed up by a journeyman ensemble, featuring Mathews on guitar and cello, Eric Gardner on drums, with Sam Bevan and Dan Feiszli alternating on bass. Her set list showcases the same aptitude for songwriting as on her earlier effort, as well as her undeniable vocal power. If these lyrics don't connect with listeners on an emotional level, it may be because of inexperience rather than lack of talent.
In the CD's one interesting departure, "Mimi's Song," George sounds bewildered by a friend's battle with depression, perhaps mistaking it for a broken heart. While George's themes may display wisdom beyond her height, her lyrics lack the wisdom of years.
IF YOU GO
Debut: Victoria George's CD release party, with Brad Wolfe and the Moon and Elliot Randall, is at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Independent, 628 Divisadero St. in San Francisco. Tickets are $11 in advance; $13 at the door. Visit www.theindependentsf.com or www.victoriageorgemusic.com
Mark Langton can be reached at mark.langton@comcast.net.
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