On her debut solo effort, singer/songwriter Jen Ledger delivered an energizing set of defiant pop-influenced rock anthems that echoed the sounds of acts like
PVRIS,
Paramore, and ex-
Flyleaf frontwoman
Lacey Sturm. Best known as the co-vocalist and drummer for the Christian hard rock outfit
Skillet,
Ledger is sure to present the EP as a fully realized vision and not a
Skillet side dish. While that band's husband-and-wife duo were involved on
Ledger -- Korey Cooper produced and John Cooper contributed vocals -- this is
Ledger's moment to shine and it does not disappoint. An undercurrent of uncertainty and anxiety ripples through the effort, but the focus is on embracing flaws and barreling forth, overcoming fear with six doses of rousing empowerment. From the defiant opener "Not Dead Yet" to its final note,
Ledger is unrelentingly powerful. John Cooper joins in on the stadium-sized rallying cry "Warrior," evidence that
Ledger could handle more top billing on future
Skillet releases. Synths shimmer on "Bold" and beats stomp on "Foreigner," while the forlorn "Ruins" is the sole midtempo breather here, a dour but hopeful number that sounds like "Wrecking Ball"-meets-"My Immortal." Closing on a high with the propulsive "Iconic,"
Ledger ends all too soon. Tight and expertly paced, it's a strong debut that hints at plenty of promise for a budding voice taking her first steps into her own spotlight. ~ Neil Z. Yeung