Though Wellspring is only the second offering from singer-songwriter Ashton Allen, it seems that he’s got the relaxing-acoustic-pop-art thing down to a science. “Something in the Sound” and “Purpose” lead off a strong and slow album full of hushed vocals and pretty six-string beauty. While Allen’s voice doesn’t exactly take any chances, most of the songs work in this mid-tempo reflective landscape. I suppose some of these tunes could put one to sleep, but I tend to think of them as delightful offerings from a focused artist who realizes that being gentle works to his advantage. Sure, the songwriting is very simple, but Allen isn’t afraid to get to the point, and he deserves a steady round of applause for what he’s accomplished here.
