Wide Awake Bored

Canada's Treble Charger returns to form on their fourth album, Wide Awake Bored, bridging traditional guitar rock with spunky lyrics. It's typical jaunty modern rock with a intellect all its own. It's not complex nor is it overloaded with radio-friendly tracks, but it is enjoyable with its rock & roll simplicity. "American Psycho" rants with heavy guitar licks similar to the mid-'90s surge of post-grunge bands tailored for the mainstream -- Tripping Daisy, Veruca Salt, Foo Fighters. "Cheat Away" relies on more lyrical sentimentality, but Treble Charger's most appealing material arises from what's made them popular from the start: basic guitars. The spiraling "Favorite Worst Enemy" and "Wear Me Down" cite college rock indie stylings, and Greig Nori's little-boy punk rock vocals are enticing. New millennium modern rock, however, continues to be a manufactured rock package led by bands such as American Hi-Fi and Vertical Horizon. Treble Charger attempt to stay above the rest and Wide Awake Bored barely gets the job done.