Gina Young's debut, Intractable, delves into many controversial issues, ranging from the political to the sexual. Her lyrics -- slightly cryptic commentary criticizing the ideals of mainstream society -- have great impact. Young's vocals capture with mesmerizing force, involving the listener in her poetic tirades with surprising intensity. All of this is cloaked in what sounds like breezy indie rock. Such well-respected activists and musicians as Marisa Roganese, Del Cielo's Katy Otto, and Destiny's Child Michelle Williams worked on Intractable, giving the young artist more credibility. Hillary Johnson, who has worked with such legends as the Ramones and the Misfits, produced Intractable, and her solid knowledge is evident throughout. Yet aside from all the top-rate guest work on here, it is hard to ignore Gina Young herself. She has a talent that is equal to Ani DiFranco and Tori Amos in integrity, and songs such as "Surrounded," "Haunted," and "Politician" are a testament to her ability to turn out good pop music. It is quite apparent Gina Young could quite possibly be the next big artist to hit the East Coast scene.
© Jason D. Taylor /TiVo