Maria WeIssman “Bad” - Review

What stands out the most about Maria Weissman’s Bad is its openness and unconventional approach to songwriting and self expression. Her music is like musical meets indie songwriting meets rock n roll and jazz. She’s hard to define because she doesn’t need to be defined by anything other than her own name and brand. Maria Weissman is as honest as she is in her music as she is vulnerable and fearless.

The fact that she transforms and transcend her “not so good” moments and thoughts into pieces of music that are proudly unique and brutally honest with high aesthetics is not something we see everyday. Her music reads like journals, but they are more like expressive poems that tell you stories. She’s not shy about sharing her thoughts. Her lyrics are intimate and transparent. They speak to listeners directly with emotional depth.

Weissman’s voice is very versatile. She has no problem rocking a sassy attitude or sweetly expressing sorrow or painting a mood-filled impression. The variety and range that the songs contain within Bad are also very impressive. There are a few notable influences here. Her vocal delivery in “Bad” feels like Lana Del Ray meets PJ Harvey. “Cool Girl” and “Fool For You” on the other hand, had a little grungy Nirvana in the attitude.

“Fragments” is a stunning opening to welcome listeners to Weissman’s land of Bad. The track is acoustically poignant and atmospheric. The melodies are beautifully somber with a touch of sundown and distance. Grand and intimate all in one song. Intense and breathable. That’s very in the style of Weissman. She’s always doing more than one thing in one song.