Driving A Million

The second offering from L.A. power trio Gwenmars combines instantly accessible power pop, synth-pop, glam, grunge, and Brit-pop influences with the resulting songs fitting together so seamlessly to be somewhat indecipherable from each other. The opener, "Neon Tom," brings to mind early Radiohead, just as the pulsing sheets of guitar of "Radio Gun" are reminiscent of Supergrass, though the results are occasionally too predictable. The Nirvana-influenced "Train Song" is not nearly as interesting as the thundering fuzzed-out guitar groove of "Electro" and the atmospherics of "The Race," which offer welcome breaks from pervasive enveloping guitar textures. That's not to say that their sound is in any way unpleasant, as the songs are generally strong and altogether listenable. Big choruses, big melodies, and big guitars -- nothing here is particularly discreet. To be sure, those looking for an unpretentious big rock sound will certainly not be disappointed.