Juiced by the national success of Orlando bands Matchbox 20 and Seven Mary Three, local favorite Blue Meridian hopes to be the next band to break big time. Judging by the excellence of their first CD, they shouldn't have to wait long.
This is a highly infectious collection of engaging power pop delivered with confidence and skill. Both "Breathe Dream Scream" and the wonderful "Sideways Silverjet" feature catchy choruses, chimey guitars and Donovan Lyman's throaty vocals, which are reminiscent of a gruffer Matthew Sweet. "The Verge" (hear a sample) ventures into sonic territory previously explored by R.E.M. with a stop-and-go chorus and monster guitar sounds. Even the quirky country served up on "The Final Thing" works well and reveals the band's willingness to experiment.
With this album as a calling card, it shouldn't be long before Blue Meridian attracts the attention of the powers-that-be of the music industry.
