The first album by this Toronto quintet begins with "Sometimes I Feel," a sweet pop/rock song perfect for a long car ride. Guitarists Mike Findlay and Steve Knox don't stand out particularly, but each has an ear for when to turn things up a notch. The song's conclusion is a bit rushed, but it's a good start. "Breakwall" has an odd tempo to it, sitting on the fence between power pop and a melancholic melody. Sounding like
Odds without the bombastic guitars, lead singer Craig Norris has a no-nonsense approach to the lyrics for the entire record. The group could pass for the
Dave Matthews Band on "And Then I Was," a sullen and melodic number with a trace of Norris and his piano-playing. "Maybe This Fluorescent Light" is perfect patio pop music, mixing
Matthews with
John Mayer. A basic pop/rock track in "Down to the Palace" moves the record in an upbeat direction performed like
Fastball. "The Way You Talk" drags the album down slightly, as it's seems a bit aimless. A surprisingly good song is "I Am the Factory," which could be mistaken for fellow Canadian blues-rock band
Big Sugar. Head and shoulders above the rest of the record is "Love Vigilantes." Having a perfect pop/rock sound with some touches of a new wave keyboard, the band is working on all cylinders. The closing and appropriately titled "So, Goodbye" is a lovable acoustic stroll with banjo, mandolin, and a subtle yet heartfelt vocal. ~ Jason MacNeil