Merge the beauty of Judy Collins’ voice, the confessional introspection of Melissa Ethridge’s lyrics, and the stellar musicianship of Bonnie Raitt, and you have the latest offering by Emily Asen. Proof is filled with delicious neo-folk songs that just beg for candlelight, a glass of wine, and quiet talk with friends. But don’t think that Asen’s music is only for the croissant and latte crowd. Yes, the songs tug a bit at sentimental memory banks but they aren’t pretentious or overly syrupy. If Asen’s bio hadn’t noted that she just recently graduated from New York University’s Music Business Program, it would be difficult to believe. This young woman definitely has a rich and textured outlook on life that gives her lyrics a sophistication not often heard by 20-something artists. One point that makes this music work is that Asen understands her voice and ensures the music suits it. Even when she covers Coldplay’s “Yellow,” she makes the song her own. Too often women with delicate voices stretch to presumably sound strong. The result is something akin to Miley Cyrus trying to belt out “Lady Marmalade;” It just doesn’t work. Asen doesn’t make that mistake; she keeps the lyrics and music rich without such oversteps. Consider these lyrics from “Treading Water,” a song that relies on simple strings and light percussion to propel its message: Don’t remember the day my heart suddenly had nothing to say like a pink seashell where the sounds of emotion dissipate this little leaky valve is hemorrhaging hope into the streets and I’m just not comfortable with the world knowing all my dreams ... I want to say that every song doesn’t hit the same depth, but that’s not quite accurate. Suffice to say that every song doesn’t have as beautifully constructed lyrics as “Treading Water,” but that’s a minor point. The songs on this album are all lovingly constructed and presented with no real missteps. Indeed, Proof will establish this young singer/songwriter as a talent with which to be reckoned.

Emily Asen's folksy cover art for her Proof LP has an otherworldly and abstract feel, almost like an ocean scene as viewed through a hazy window. At the same time, it has highly defined, post-modern lettering mixed right in, complete with faux paint stains, a touch that reminds me of early R.E.M. album covers. It's a fitting way to package the music within, as Asen presents her hazy, folk-tinged pop with an indie rock sensibility. Asen sings in a quiet mid-range tone, always unassuming and never overpowering, using a subtle approach throughout. The instrumentation is simple and straightforward, and she lets her voice to flow along with the instruments. It's in this simplicity where Asen finds her strength, allowing her songwriting to take center stage.

Stirring together elements of traditional folk and a smattering of rock sensibilities, songwriter Emily Asen has created a remarkable full-length debut with Proof, the second release on her own Violet Maiden label. Of the album’s eleven songs, ten are Asen originals, including ‘Play With Fire’, ‘Treading Water’ and the title track, three of the album’s standouts. Asen also gives Coldplay the folk treatment, presenting a noteworthy cover of ‘Yellow’, and delivering it with her smooth and pleasing voice. But Proof boasts more than a good selection of fine melodies and introspective lyrics - Asen also took to the task of playing many of the instruments herself and recorded, engineered and produced the entire album, not at easy feat, but one that solidifies her passion and drive. Asen, a recent graduate of New York University’s Music Business program, plans to further her music education at SUNY Purchase with their Studio Composition program this fall and obtain her Master’s Degree. "The truth don’t seem so simple now Can’t hold a flame to her anyhow If you’re not sure what you’re looking for It’s best not to mess with a woman who knows" ~ Emily Asen Perhaps at one time, Asen felt she needed to show the people that have doubted her abilities exactly what she was capable of. It’s with this batch of solid, well-crafted songs, that she gives them Proof.