Lyrics that flow seamlessly between sophomorically witty and cuttingly poignant, a voice reminiscent of Ben Harper and the ability to switch between beat boxing one minute and harmonizing the next, are just a few of the talents Matt Singer brings with him to the stage.

The Brooklyn, N.Y.-based singer/songwriter played to an enthusiastic crowd Sunday night at Harpers Ferry in Allston, his Massachusetts debut. Even the late hour and imminent workday couldn't keep Singer's fans away.

Singer's versatility is what keeps his fans coming back for more. Not only can he rap and croon love songs with equal ease, his music looks at issues from multiple angles.

Sunday night, Singer introduced the crowd to "Uncle," (affectionately subtitled, "How I Learned to Quit Worrying and Love Homeland Security") a chilling look at the federal government's post 9-11 security policies. The slow, mournful ballad is the new millennium's answer to the war protest songs of the 1960s and '70s.

But Singer isn't one to dwell on the problems we face - he followed "Uncle" with "The Clones" a lighthearted open letter to George W. Bush in response to Bush's last State of the Union address. In it Singer hypothesizes a world in which human clones exist.

And though he agrees with the president's speech on one point, "Clones ain't got no human rights," Singer implores the president to promise: "I George W. vow/To find it in my heart somehow/To not wage war against the clones."

The song is like taking a spoon full of sugar with your medicine - a protest against war that somehow does down like candy.

It's rare that an entertainer is equally successful making his audience laugh and cry. It is even more rare that he can make his listeners do both at the same time. Singer has mastered this art.

Singer was just 4 years old when he wrote his first song - a touching ballad about a boy who loves to eat toothpaste. Since then his lyrics have matured but they maintain a refreshing innocence and quirky sense of humor. "The Madden Song," a song about playing video games, breaking up with girlfriends and eating Chinese food is an excellent example.

Robin Aigner, also of Brooklyn, opened for Singer. Her strong voice and melodies evoke memories of Tanya Donelly while her lyrics seem inspired by Ani DiFranco.

Singer and Aigner have been touring in and around New York City this summer and will appear again in the Hub at the Club Passim Folk Festival in Cambridge on Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. For a full list of their upcoming tour dates in New York and New England, and to buy a copy of Singer's CDs, "Sublimation" and "Zozen," visit Singer's Web site at www.matt-singer.com.