The EP even begins with a downer - the lyrics "Had my doubts it would ever work out/ Guess I never really cared" from "Real Love on the Moon." But while Heffernan may be a pessimist, she makes the most of it. Her songs are resolutely chipper in spite of painful material, and a touch of lightness buoys any song from dipping into self-conscious loathing. The aforementioned "Real Love on the Moon" starts the album with a burst of energy, from the synth-laden melody to the big, singalong chorus. Another track that combines a crunchy melody with a look backward is "Obsidian," in which Heffernan ruefully recounts: "Before I die/ I wanna grow old/ see all the places/ I've never known."

Heffernan plays to her strengths on this EP, which include resounding choruses and big-sounding instrumentation to stand beside an equally strong voice. Other pluses include consummate backing tracks and careful production from Doug Heffernan who - without big label money (who has that anymore?) - made this EP ambitious-sounding.

What Amy Heffernan does lack can be boiled down to two main points - diversity and risk-taking. On the diversity front, we're presented with six tracks that sound largely similar, and even the proto-ballad "The Word" starts slowly but picks up the steady pace of the rest of Heffernan's tracks. An actual ballad, or a rollicking, fast-paced track would be a nice addition to Heffernan's repertoire.

And as for the risks, well, everything sounds like it was done just right, which ultimately means that aside from admiring instruments played well, the hooks, surprises and ear-catching twists and subtleties that excite listeners are absent on Amy Heffernan. The album sounds almost complacent in its ability to be absorbed, and a left hook made of odd instrumentation, guest vocals or genre blending would be a great help.

Amy Heffernan is refreshing in its subject matter and approach. Instead of insipid boy-worship or dreary romanticism, this EP, and its subject matter, feel real and from the heart. If Heffernan thinks a little further outside of the accepted modes of radio-ready rock and pop, her LP will not disappoint.

Track Picks: "Obsidian," "Real Love on the Moon"