From All Directions

The lineage of four-boy guitar rock bands dates way back in the annals of music history. Problem is, few of them really stand out, claim a true stake in the evolution of the genre. Rarely do we herald the inspired creativity of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, R.E.M., or U2. For these are the real pioneers who shall linger on in timelessness, who each have an incomparable uniqueness. Far more are the palatable, easily digestible bands who seem to hail from the same big family. That's the pike Ultrapull comes down -- the cousins of Foo Fighters, Vertical Horizon, Goo Goo Dolls, and Everclear. No doubt about it, From All Directions is a more than decent record. It has to be, because the formula is tried and true, batting almost a thousand. Hard to mess that up. "Never Have Words," "Today I?m Gone," "One More Time Around,""Wasted" -- all really good songs, sonically solid enough to be on the charts alongside their relatives. You just might not be able to distinguish them from one another. That generic quality probably helped Ultrapull get this album released. Hopefully, the potential and talent they seem to have will give them a boost down the road. From All Directions is the first step in the right direction.