My good friend, Mark (a.k.a. Daddy Mac) and I have been developing a theory as of late. While trying to predict where our current musical avenues will lead us in the near- distant future, we can only surmise it will involve a gradual "wussening" (I stand by the word, even if Webster does not, thank you) of our current aggressively- minded musical needs and tastes. Recent exposure to the likes of Cross My Heart, and now Pop Unknown, only verifies our concerns (after all, this isn't an easy confession for gents claiming eternal allegiance to the likes of Pennywise, Gorilla Biscuits, and early 7 Seconds to make). The musical equivalent of a gallon of coffee they are not, but Pop Unknown know how to create affecting melodies nonetheless.

The ultra- sensitive stage is set upon recognition of band member Gabe Wiley, formerly of emo sensations, Mineral. The album's opening track, "Follow You," reminds us of Mineral's bleeding heart sensibilities, and lends support to my position-- a counterpoint to the multitude who claim Mineral were nothing more than Sunny Day Real Estate rip-offs-- that if answerable to anyone in the musical realm, these boys were mostly indebted to the Cure. Pop Unknown's vocalist even dons Robert Smith's mopey repetitiveness for the song's sake.

"This Guy's Ready for Bed," the second song, introduces the band's rockier side, but it isn't until "Your Own Personal Wedding" that we get a sense of what these guys are truly capable of. A touch of vintage Cars, some Sebadoh, and a few intangible flourishes coalesce into a most impressive offering. "Ink and Paper" may not amaze, but it maintains a healthy momentum until "Tipping the Scale" is able to provide a soft, yet sensual finish. The band gently waves goodbye in the fading reference to Longfellow at song's end: "One if by land, two if by sea..."

I'm touched, but I ain't goin' soft, ya hear me? I'm going straight to Minor Threat after this one to keep things straight. But what need is there for me to explain myself? Rather than think of it as losing my edge, I prefer to regard my enjoyment of this short work as an expansion, a broadening of perspective-- in short, something that's unavoidable as long as we're thoughtful individuals: growth. (How's that for a melodramatic ending?)

-Kevin Ruggeri