Carissa Johnson has been burbling about the Boston music scene for some time now, both as a solo act and as part of the Cure-Alls. If none of that rings a bell, don't worry. At the beginning of the pandemic, Johnson moved to L.A. for a change of pace. That didn't work, and she returned to Boston and put together this album.

Carissa Johnson Blue Hour (self-released)

My first impression was that this sounds a lot like Kate Bush meets Fiona Apple--but crunchier. She even has a song called "Running Uphill." So it makes sense that she lists Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, Debbie Harry and riot grrls as influences.

Johnson prefers a commercial sound, so she'll have to settle for riot grrl attitude, if not the sound. But it's not hard to hear the rest, often overlapping within a particular song. The music is a restatement of the modern restatement of new wave: Techno-edged keyboards, acoustic guitars for texture and a hyper-tight rhythm section.

I don't see any mention of Liz Phair anywhere, but this definitely has the post-modern new wave buzz of Whitechocolatespaceegg. I think with all the references you prolly get the point. Johnson is a sharp songwriter who chose an excellent production team. This is a polished album that rewards multiple listens. Quite the romp.

Jon Worley