Pretty mainstream alterna-rock in the vein of LIVE, PEARL JAM, BIG WHEEL, FOO FIGHTERS, etc. At first I was kind of put off at how radio-friendly this was. The musicianship is so professionally polished and clean it’s kind of scary. This type of music usually does little for me, but the performances exude enough passion to keep me from hitting the stop button. They're a very song-driven band, which is not a bad thing.

Guitarist Rob Levin has chops and is not shy about reminding the listener of this from time to time. His 6-string interplay with singer/guitarist/main songwriter John Cusimano (who’s semi-frequent use of the phaser pedal is also quite nice) has a very naturally organic vibe. He proves that a little virtuosity in the pop-rock persona is not necessarily a bad thing. I remember when Warren Cucarillo (ZAPPA, MISSING PERSONS) was talking about his gig with DURAN, DURAN; he had mentioned the lack of opportunity to show off any skills as a guitarist. Not that this band sounds like that fab fivesome of the 80’s, but had he heard this disc, he may have figured out how to put a little shred in the proceedings. Bassist Matt Powers provides more than just solid foundations. The man has ideas. He and drummer Shawn Pelton have energy and drive with plenty of technical skill to spare. Although a couple of these tracks are a little too middle-of-the-road for my tastes, more than a few are quite good. If you want solid alterna pop-rock with way above average musicianship, look no further than THE CRINGE.

- Herring

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/thecringe

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