The first U.S. solo release by
Sarah Bettens, better known as the lead singer of Belgian alt-rockers
K's Choice,
Scream isn't far removed from
Bettens' earlier releases, but it's less distinctive in a number of important ways. The title track kicks the record off with a glossy punch of polite power pop in the manner of
Letters to Cleo or
Juliana Hatfield and would have been an excellent addition to the
K's Choice canon. Unfortunately, that's the most exciting song on the album by a good distance. Songs like "Stay," with its peculiarly retro blend of '80s-style synths on the "strings" setting and Lilith Fair-era acoustic guitar, and the white girl funk-pop of "Come Over Here" are a little more subdued than
K's Choice tended to be, although
Bettens' appealing voice keeps them afloat. Unfortunately, faceless tunes like "Go" and "Don't Stop" are as clichéd and unmemorable as their titles, and
Greg Wells' unimaginative, slick production does little to help.