Aftershock

Adam Dove's debut has a little bit of everything for fans of modern rock. His lyrics are literate and heartfelt; the guitar-driven arrangements are rootsy, polyrhythmic, and danceable; and catchy melodies are in no short supply. Most of all Dove's emotive vocals cut through with a sense of urgency that recalls the passion of a young Michael Hutchence and the wisdom of seasoned veterans Bono and John Hiatt. Whether harmonizing with himself on "I'm Stolen" or leading the soulful chorus of backing vocals on "Your Secret," Dove is a singer to be reckoned with, weaving phrases through his own expert guitar lines and Jason Bremmer's funky bass accompaniment. Dove's slide guitar harmonics are majestic in "Better Than the Night," echoing the mature craftsmanship of Eric Clapton and George Harrison in their mid-'70s post-superstar salad days, as drummer Scott Edward lays down a swampy groove with a fat backbeat. "For My Pride" is an arena rock blast strong enough to lay Bon Jovi and Matchbox Twenty to rest. The album's sole ballad, "White Paper Men," rendered with voice and acoustic guitar, proves that Dove can compete with chart-topping folk-rock heroes David Gray and Ryan Adams almost effortlessly. A strong debut sans filler, Adam Dove's star is on the rise on Aftershock .