Only Open in the Case of a Broken Heart
Allison Weiss figured out the whole Internet thing a long time ago. The singer/songwriter used the help of virtual fans to help fund a debut album in 2009. Fast forward five years and we have her EP, Remember When. In it, Weiss blends exceptional songwriting powered by relatable lyrics that tell a story with catchy power pop rhythms and a captivating voice. The five-song EP covers breakups and failed relationships, but for different reasons: growing apart, young love and meeting someone new.
The opening track, a head bopping power pop ballad, paints a perfect picture of a relationship teetering on the edge of a breakup. Weiss asks the recipient of the lyrics to remember the beginning of the relationship and all the reasons it culminated. The lyrics “I used to know everything you wanted / I used to know everything you loved / But lately, I’m lost at sea,” turn to “I used to be everything you wanted / I used to be everything you loved / But lately, I’m lost at sea” in the middle of the song. The lyrics exemplify feelings of hopelessness and the pain of seeing the end of a relationship.
The album continues on to “Giving Up,” another pop-punk song. “Remember When” sets the bar high for this EP. The track barely falls short, but plays well off the opening track. Weiss now sees no point in continuing a relationship and decides, as indicated by the title, to give up.
“The Fall” features a tale of young love. Weiss introduces a naïve 18-year-old with the lyrics, “I didn’t know what I wanted / But I wanted you.” The song tells the story of the roller coaster ride that is a first love- it’s full of twists, turns and a halting end.
In the ballad “Call Your Girlfriend,” Weiss gives breakup instructions by guiding the subject of the song through ending a current relationship in favor of a new one. The chorus “You just tell her that the only way her heart will mend / Is when she learns to love again / It won’t make sense right now, but she’s still a friend / And then you let her down easy,” captures the emotion of not wanting to hurt someone even though it is essentially inevitable.
The album closes on a different note with the track, “Take You Back.” Here, Weiss puts a new twist on the breakup theme. The song centers around two lovers already split up but starting to realize it was a mistake and that they want to be back together. Weiss shows a broader vocal range on the closing track over acoustic guitars playing a sugary rhythm with some tinges of country influence.
A powerful collection of songs, Remember When includes a breakup song for nearly every situation. With only five tracks, the EP goes by quick and deserves at least one listen. If this collection serves as any indication, be sure to expect big things from Allison Weiss in the future.
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