Aly Spaltro's tender-trebled voice belts out ballads like Joanna Newsome.
Spaltro, a adolescent singer-songwriter from Brunswick, will be singing at Sweet Leaves on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. She is one of two performers featured in "Folk Tunes & Indieness" along with Craig Hensley, a deeper-voiced, more narrative-based singer, also from the Brunswick area. Hensley is the opening act and goes on at 8:30 p.m.
The main even, the sincere and petite Spaltro, is at 9:30 p.m. This is her second time performing at Sweet Leaves Tea House.
She writes her songs on her bed, according to her CD insert. Accompanied by her rough yet sweet-stringed guitar, as well as random instruments such as a borrowed glockenspiel, she sings of the sky, which is, she says, like her Grandfather's eyes; and of love, "which is all we have."
In addition to certain lines common to the indie genre, her lyrics tend to be fresh and forward. "I'm going to put you in my song and sing you loudly" is an example of such bold declarations that reflect a worldliness along without cynicism, an unlikely pairing.
Drawing inspiration from Bright Eyes, Amy Winehouse, Broken Social Scene, and Camera Obscura, among others, her raw vocals speak of years beyond her tender age.
Some songs are more upbeat than others, but each one is thoughtful, whimsical, and based on nature and relationships.
The core of her music appears to rest on a certain aspect of solitude many individuals feel but lack the words for.
However, the lyrics never become depressing or over-emotional, an easy trap to fall into for many indie artists.
The instrumental arrangements do not jangle; they are interesting, unusual and pleasing all at once. This just goes to show that talent lurks in every corner.
Sweet Leaves Tea House also hosts Tuesday night Open Mic Nights, which are open to the community, as well as weekend concerts.