Anna Rose Menken may only be 24 years old, however she must have one hell of a cool record collection.  Her debut EP - which previews an upcoming full-length album - has lots of wise-beyond-her age influences shining through. 

Rose is effortlessly able to create songs that feel like you have known them for years and at the same time feel totally new.  A little Christine McVie here, a little Ann Wilson there, a bit of Nanci Griffith over there and a lot of Anna Rose all over the place.

The five-song sampler has some terrific modern folk rock, from the mid-tempo driving acoustic opener "Four Corners" to the complexly dark ballad "Picture" to the soft beauty of "Wilshire Blvd."

Anna Rose shows lots of promise for this young singer.  I can't wait for a complete set from her.

Jay S.  Jacobs