Audio is a straightforward pop/rock effort from
Evan Olson. His electric guitar gets a lot of play here, and he builds most choruses by layering his voice multiple times over live-sounding, but still-synthetic drums (
Olson plays everything himself.) Opener "Lucky Stars" reminds of the old
INXS/Lost Boys nugget "Good Times," while "Don't Run Away" wouldn't be out of place on a
Collective Soul album. With most of
Audio falling into this pop middle range, AAA radio fans will have plenty to dig. Other highlights include the new wave-styled "Romance?" and the soft tones and layered production of "Fooled by a Dream." A slightly altered mix of
Club Evos' "Shoe Box Blues" appears here as a bonus track. ~ Johnny Loftus