It's a big mystery why Leah Blevins had her portrait photo put through a souped-up photoshop program. Now she looks like a plastic Barbie doll on her debut album First Time Feeling. Intentional or not, but that has nothing to do with her music. On the contrary, it sounds as human and warm as a sultry summer's day in Kentucky. This is where Blevins grew up and she sings her intimate songs with a
… southern growl and a slightly lived-in girl's voice that sometimes reminds of Dolly Parton. These are rooted in alternative country, with a base of acoustic guitar, but often with the addition of rock instruments. First Time Feeling contains a fine balance of intimacy and solidity, whereby Blevins' catchy songs and driven vocals always come first. (MR)more
