With brilliant harmonies, tight musicianship, and heartfelt pop compositions that would put such millennium heartthrobs as
'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys to shame,
3rd Degree come bursting out of the gate with a impressive debut that draws from classic and alternative rock without sounding derivative, contrived, or overproduced. The key to the band's appeal on record is firmly rooted in their strong melodic songs and dramatic arrangements. The orchestral coda in "Worlds Collide" is worthy of the
Beatles/
Badfinger/
Brian Wilson badge of honor. Tracks such as "Don't Walk Away," "The Montreal Song," and "Anyway I" employ subtle and not-so-subtle shifts in dynamics and texture that show off the group's instrumental dexterity. Despite their young age,
3rd Degree sound and play as if they are a veteran ensemble with plenty of hits under their belt. "Any Other Way" and "Maid of Honor" are authentic arena rock anthems in waiting.
3rd Degree show tremendous potential on their first official outing. ~ Tom Semioli