Angels Undercover showcases staples

Singer/songwriter Josiah Leming entices listeners with his lyrics.

By Rachel Post

Published Nov. 3, 2008

Angels Undercover marks Josiah Leming's first professional work as a singer/songwriter. And Leming seems to have avoided the "American Idol" curse with this original and raw, though sometimes over-produced, EP.

Oftentimes, "American Idol" contestants attract attention for their talent while on the show but, when they get in the studio, their music tends to resonate as over-produced, extraneous pop (i.e. Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Blake Lewis, Ryan Starr, Nikki McKibbin and countless others).

Leming, who was awarded much play because he lived in his car at the time, caught the eye of "American Idol" fans and Simon Cowell with his (naturally) faux British singing voice when he auditioned for season seven with an original song, entitled "To Run."

Leming later captivated audiences with his performance of Mika's "Grace Kelly" further along in the competition, but he was eliminated just before the top 24 were chosen.

Although it took a while for Leming to complete this EP, it was worth the wait. It is very original, something most "American Idol" veterans can't say about their music, and a great taste of the raw, intense originality that's to come in Leming's future work.

The EP begins with "Arctic Outcry Wind," its least intriguing song. Unlike the following songs, "Arctic Outcry Wind" is lyrically and musically a bit mundane, with Leming singing "I feel" a dozen times. Musically, the track is a bit boring, and too straightforward lyrically. But, thankfully, the next four songs overcome it.

The title track, "Angels Undercover," is more like Leming's signature work, which is emotional, personal and raw. The piano is enchanting throughout the song and suits the lyrics perfectly. Leming sings, "And take me to the church where my father and my mother/Pray for me and my dear brother/While the angels undercover cursed our names."

"Angels Undercover" is by far the best song on the EP, both musically and lyrically.

Next on the five-song compilation is "They Say." Leming melodically draws out "Love, forgive me now" throughout the song, creating an aura of emotional conflict that serves him well.

"This Cigar" retains the raw vocals but it's unnecessarily slow overall, and the melodies and irritating tambourine are overkill during lines like, "This cigar, burns a hole straight through my jeans/and through her heart, as we watch the ashes form/another scar, that I could never show."

Finally, "To Run" is the perfect ending, as it was the song that began his career. Leming passionately recalls a devastating breakup, singing, "She starts to disappear/they'll be no turning back from here." The end of the song is a weird multi-melodic, wordless lament, but it somehow fits with the tone of the song and gracefully finishes the EP.

Although Leming will always be recognized for his "American Idol" status, his music is a far cry from the work of the show's fellow alumni base. Truly original lyrics and enticing piano are Leming's staples, and the EP marks the start of a promising career.