Although their reputation would suggest a
Phish
-like band of jam-happy virtuosos,
the Gabe Dixon Band
prove to be a worthy heir to
Ben Folds Five
on their full-length debut. Hinging on the soulful voice of their namesake, the band writes passionate
chamber pop
that brings to mind
Sting
's early-'90s
jazz
experiments but with boundless energy instead of a middle-aged reserve.
Dixon
's awesome piano work dominates, but the rest of the band whips up everything from sensual
pop
to delicate balladry with a distinct vigor. Fun, touching, and rarely too flashy for their own good,
deliver a true winner with
On a Rolling Ball
. ~ Bradley Torreano