Hits and Misses

Big Wreck

4/5

The members of Big Wreck met and started making music just down the road at Boston's Berklee College of Music. When studying musical theory didn't seem to cut it in comparison to jamming at local clubs and bars, the band dropped out to pursue its professional music career. This wasn't a bad idea, as Big Wreck is onto something here. Harmonies layered over a true hard rock sound puts them on a level above the quasi-moody, self-important "rock" bands of late. The Pleasure and the Greed is reminiscent of bands like Soundgarden and Dream Theater in that its intelligent, multiple-layered rock keeps the mind and the ear satisfied. Songs like "Ladylike" are a perfect example. The Pleasure and the Greed has it all - a climactic crescendo, pummeling bass peppered with long guitar riffs, and impassioned vocals. Pure talent and pure rock like this are ensuring that Big Wreck is slowly becoming a fixture in the Boston/Cambridge area, and deservedly so.

-Sheryl Gordon

Clarias

4 stars

A group with a prominent saxophonist and a jam-band mentality that aims at the college-aged crowd? Comparisons to Dave Matthews Band are welcome, and Clarias had better enjoy them, because it's likely to hear them a lot. Beyond the similar instruments and genre, lead singer Michael Giordano has a charming and familiar way of clipping and twanging his vocals. Thankfully, the comparisons are all in the band's favor. Jon Berman's saxophone provides a good tonal quality, even though it rarely takes the melody away from the vocals or guitar. The songwriting and lyrics are also notably good for a band that sounds like it loves to jam away on 10- or 20-minute songs; watch for the noteworthy "You Might Remember," which grows from a quiet start into a lively, relaxing groove without ever sacrificing its gentle vocals. Intro is almost a teaser, as its six songs are so promising that they leave you wishing there were more.

-Drew SheltonMokeCarnivalUltimatum/Artemis3/5 Some may label Moke "alternative," but the quartet's members proclaim that they're just a "British rock band" - and with refreshing honesty. But make no mistake: this isn't the Gallagher brothers whining about each other or Travis asking why it always rains, this is pure rock 'n roll. Their second major-label release, Carnival, opens with "My Degeneration," an homage to the Who's "My Generation." While little, if any, of the original song is evident in "My Degeneration," the economy of classic rock prevails, disguised behind the distinctly modern sound of Moke's crisp guitars and smooth, reverberating vocals. "Today" is another gem that captures that quality, even while sounding more like contemporary British rock. Its staid, smooth bassline combines with self-repeating guitar melodies and John Hogg's echoing chorus..."How can I take today, and leave this all behind/ Today, today, we'll kiss the world goodbye"...to create a memorable, loveable track. Carnival rarely drags its feet, and it's such a strong rock album that it won't have you dragging yours.

- Rob Bellinger