Before you listen for the first time, you know immediately from the bizarre cover art of Chick Habit's debut album, that you may be in for something different. You are. Ranging from contemplative instrumentals like "Sassafras" and "Wasted Time" to dark but hilarious "Harassment Panda," to the haunting closer "Hollow Man;" this acoustic road-trip has produced an eclectic and slightly dark alt-pop experiment that ends much too soon. Title track "The Backseat," "Nor'easter" and "Once Again" are straight up acoustic pop numbers that would be home on just about any Adult Alternative radio station. Vocalist Colleen Devaney sings these songs with an innocent yearning that is just earnest enough to be believable. This is especially noticeable on the title track, which opens with a production effect that mimics the sound of an old vinyl 45. Just when you're about to adjust your stereo, the effect is removed. The song, and Devaney's vocals, blossom into an expansive expression of lost innocence. After the lush production values of the earlier songs, closing track "Hollow Man" - a short acapella version of the song - is a shocking and desolate way to end the album. Before you know it, it's over, and you find yourself reaching to press the "Play" button, again. About the band: Chick Habit is an acoustic trio. All three are professional musicians, who met working on other projects. Guitarist Ryan Abbott is a founding member of East Coast surf-punk legends 'The Phantom Limbs', who have several albums available in print. He has performed live with a variety of bands over the years and worked as a session guitar player, lending guitar and piano tracks at recording studios around his home state of Maryland. Abbott has written and recorded five albums and has appeared as a guest on many. He brought the other two members together to form the group. Vocalist is Colleen Devaney. She is a local Maryland artist, previously known for her work on other people’s records. IN demand for her wistful and vulnerable sounding voice, she has worked with a wide variety of artists – even lending vocals and lyrics to local rap artists. The pretty exterior hides what was a tough early life, and current battle with chronic illness. Many of her song lyrics reflect that darkness. Cellist Sally McGee is a classical musician who has played in orchestras, several quartets, and toured worldwide with the Washington Women's Chorus. She took a break from classical music some years ago, until Abbott talked her into doing some unusual studio work on the Phantom Limbs final album. He enjoyed the different sound and they began writing songs together and working on new takes on current songs, they then added Colleen for vocals, lyrics and maladies. Chick Habit is a collaborative effort, where all three members - Abbott, Devaney and McGee - contribute their ideas to each song, resulting in a different sound. In 2011, the trio began playing occasional live shows to flesh out new original songs and delight local fans with their off-beat covers of popular alternative songs. Prolific songwriters, word is that Chick Habit is already at work on their next release. "The Backseat" is a promising start.