The title of Elizabeth and the Catapult's Verve Forecast debut album Taller Children reflects the unique blend of pop playfulness and grown-up introspection that defines Ziman's distinctive songwriting. Such memorable originals as "Rainiest Day of Summer," "Apathy," "The Hang Up" and "Hit the Wall" embody a vibrant mix of open-hearted wonder, whimsical humor and forthright emotional insight, merging classic pop melodicism with an array of acoustic textures, jazz twists and orchestral flourishes.

The quality of the songsincluding a memorable reading of the Leonard Cohen classic "Everybody Knows" is matched by intimate, effortlessly soulful performances by the Brooklyn trio, which also includes guitarist Pete Lalish and drummer Danny Molad.

Although the bulk of Taller Children was recorded with producer Mike Mogis (noted for his work with the likes of Bright Eyes, M. Ward and Rilo Kiley), several of the album's performances were drawn from the homespun demos that the band recorded in drummer Molad's home studio. The resulting album strikes a vital balance between lush sophistication (with such elements as Ziman's elegant string arrangements) and spare, unadorned simplicity.

The qualities that make Taller Children such a refreshing surprise have already made Elizabeth and the Catapult a beloved favorite on New York's downtown club scene, where the threesome's winsome tunes and energetic, surprise-filled live shows have won them a large and devoted local fan base.

Elizabeth's warmly personal songs reflect the diverse influences of her lifelong pursuit of music. She grew up in New York's Greenwich Village, just down the street from the Cafe Wha? and the Fat Black Pussycat, where her future heroes Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell got their start.

On record, as in their latest Taller Children (Verve Forcast), Brooklyn trio Elizabeth and the Catapult are an inventive young pop group, coveting tales of equal woe and whimsy with irresistible charm, knee jerk spats of wit and wisdom, and plenty of gracious personality. They're a feel good listen, and a recent stay at the Guest Apartment proved one could rob them of some instruments, but not those crafty characteristics that accentuate their wondrous bits of pop.

One part Elizabeth (Elizabeth Ziman), one part Catapult (Pete Woodman), 2/3rds of the band stopped by for a four-song stay. "Race You" is a sprightly sprint to the finish, navigating a field of" ba ba bas", handclaps, and cheapo, Casio key tones (there's a story about this). "Complementary Me" employs an equal spirit and pace; a wicked whistler that throws breezy melodies and lickity split guitar work at you, with little let up. Then come the session's quieter numbers. "I Can Always Dream", an unsurprising lullaby, features enchanting vocals that flutter in a dreamlike ether. Finally, "Apathy" is a simple beauty of poignant melodies and a story of confusion, frustration, and fear. It's a captivating performance; one that showcases an incredible amount of style and various instrumental alignments as it plays through. - David Pitz