*1/2 Chantal Kreviazuk

UNDER THESE ROCKS AND STONES

(Columbia)

She's a young Canadian singer/songwriter with a major-label debut full of overwrought, angst-ridden rock tunes. Sound familiar? Indeed, much of Under These Rocks and Stones does sound familiar, from the distorted guitars and strident lyrics that overwhelm "God Made Me," to the humorless delivery of grade-school poetry like "When I go swimming in your intellect/The water's so shallow and the dialect is so phony/But I eat it up like baloney" on "Co-Dependent." In more capable hands -- say those of Tori Amos or Ani Difranco -- a soul-baring song like "Co-Dependent" might come off as cathartic. But Kreviazuk only sounds self-pitying.

When she simply accompanies herself on piano, the CD takes a turn for the better. A warmer, more engaging side of her voice emerges in the stripped-down "Imaginary Friend" and "Don't Be Good." Kreviazuk needs to learn that she's better off just being herself -- and that the world doesn't need another Alanis Morissette.

(Chantal Kreviazuk joins Ron Sexsmith at T.T. the Bear's Place this Tuesday, September 30. Call 492-BEAR.)

-- Melissa Rosen