Ashton Allen

Ashton Allen’s third release, Wellspring, presents a lovely musical landscape, something that would fit somewhere between your Garden State soundtrack and Snow Patrol. This would be the music Coldplay would listen to in order to relax. In fact, the album fits best as gentle background music, not upfront listening. His coffee-shop style seems to highlight the many facets of life eloquently.

The opening track, “Something in the Sound” finds Allen in mellow Paul McCartney mode. Lyrically, there is nothing outstanding, but the sparse piano accompaniment is a good start for the album. The second track is where Allen truly begins to shine. In “Purpose,” he sings, “There’s purpose here in every life / So spread your wings and learn to fly / You don’t have to hide / You don’t have to hide.” It’s an encouraging song for those looking to step out of their comfort zones. He encourages those who might hide away, reminding them that the world needs their specific gifts.

On “Now That It’s Over,” Allen becomes introspective, still pondering the same theme from “Purpose.” Only this time around, he is the one hiding away. A broken relationship causes him to mourn that “(he) just can’t find (himself).” He finds himself “stuck in a rut” and promises to “keep his eyes shut.” The drastic difference between the breezy optimism of “Purpose” and the absolute pessimism of this song creates a beautiful dichotomy. With the two taken together, it presents two sides of life most everyone has faced at one point or another.

The elegant “Sad Faced Girl” finds Allen questioning how to comfort the girl he’s fallen for. We never find out what he’s comforting her for, but apparently it is so life-altering that it prevents the two from being together. Despite this, his care for her is beautiful to watch. He promises to never get over her, and the listener is left with the hope that maybe this Romeo and Juliet of a couple might actually have a shot.

In “Rain,” Ashton Allen celebrates the possibilities of life, sitting in his favorite chair and listening to the rain fall down. He seems to have found the answer to his life’s questions. And indeed, that is the best reason to throw a huge celebration! In this song particularly, Allen’s gift for illuminating life’s smallest moments is on full display.

The album’s remaining songs, including the title track and “Silent Way” are sweet ear candy, but ultimately leave not much to ponder. They are the excess needed to fill out a full album of music. After the excellence of “Purpose,” “Now that It’s Over” and “Sad Faced Girl,” it is slightly disappointing.

The odd “Greenville” closes out the album. Allen’s soft, reassuring vocals never waver, but the addition of a bluegrass element seems out of place. You almost expect there to be a hoedown momentarily. The last song on the album notwithstanding, Ashton Allen has established himself as an artist to watch. He definitely still has room to grow, but his music invites the listener into the journey. They will travel right along with him.

Tagged as: Ashton Allen, Wellspring

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