are a band who have emerged from the world of melodic but have a real propensity for super- gestures. Though they lack the outright catchiness of , are closest to in sound and in their earnest ability to flirt with genres that might not have the most credibility. For , it's the of his youth; for 's , it's and . On isn't too proud to throw in the occasional heartfelt solo ( ) or build a song around a jaunting, '70s piano melody ( ). It is actually the touches of that sound the freshest, too -- rehashed numbers like fall flat, while the spare and syrupy feels genuine and original. Perhaps, like will continue to abandon the songwriting that is expected of him and follow his inner stadium star -- then will give listeners the unabashed hit album that they have all the potential for. ~ Charles Spano