I have a soft spot for all Alt-Rock. Even better if it is the right mix of jangle, pop, and power. In my listening I often group this band alongside Fountains of Wayne, Counting Crows, and other mainstays of the era. This is closer to the power and pop side than the grungy garage side. I find that people are either really into these groups and listen to everything or they know the hits and that is all. It would be hard to miss the singles of this era. Even today the frequent radio stations and playlists. This is a group I admit I was in the latter category for a long time. I knew "Walk On The Ocean," "Fall Down," "Good Intentions." Their real firm singles that have stuck around. Like anyone though, listening to their albums intentionally gave me a real appreciation for their work.

This album is a testament to the myriad of directions music was being pulled at the time. It is rocky. It is poppy. It has odd mixes and strange features to the songs. All the while being incredibly listenable. "Walk On the Ocean" is a great starting point. It has the 90's alt-rock feel, but is also laced with folk music instruments and phrasing. Top that with lyrics that sound profound and yet might also mean nothing. It's like a complete illustration of where this music lives. "Nightingale Song" showcases a dedication to a riff and masterful grasp of a drum part to drive you through the song. "Hold Her Down" is a strange and gritty song. Heavier and darker than others on the album. "Before You Were Born" is one of my faves with great acoustic guitar and stellar drum builds. The vocals are also great. "All I Want" Feels like a complete 10/10. A little Sparkly with some grit for contrast. Filled with little hooks and phrases that stick in your mind. The album ends off with a calmer and more thoughtful track in "I Will Not Take Thes Things For Granted"

The overall effect is a real high quality album. A lot of the bands from this era have a similar effect on me. I can see how a group of friends and musicians would end up making this music. Just people wanting to make music. Trying to find something to say. It comes across as a coherent band. This album says a lot. It is happy, but not without some angst or upset. It both can't decide on genre and disregards the choice as a whole. I I consider this well worth a listen. It captures a very specific time in music history. Sounds very 'in era' but not dated. Check it out. Even if you don't recognize the hits I think you will walk away with some tracks you like.