Sounding somewhat like the Foo Fighters, only with better production and a better sense of melody, Sweden's
Drowners have crafted an excellent album with their U.S. debut, Is There Something I Should Know. Borrowing equally from polished
Fountains of Wayne-style power pop and edgy, Nirvana rock, the album ends up hitting the mark -- often squarely. Highlights include the catchy title track (which is not unlike something
Weezer might've done), the sunny anthems "Bittersweet" and "Summer Break My Fall," and the moving ballad "Winter Left You Alone." There are, of course, missteps and imperfections; sometimes the songs fail to generate a hook, or the lyrics seem a bit underdeveloped. When
The Drowners really hit they hit hard, and the material is excellent.