In 1988, was being interviewed by a reporter for when he was asked if he was a fan of . replied "In New Jersey, if you don't like they raise your taxes." Listening to 's second full-length album , it's pretty clear that leader doesn't have to worry much about his tax bill in the Garden State. Hailing from New Brunswick, NJ, are that rare band that displays a strong and unmistakable influence, and while 's vocal resemblance to the Boss is clearly coincidental (he has more than a bit of 's throaty gravity without the grit), the boys-and-girls-on-the-backstreets tone of his lyrics is not, especially when stray fragments from 's lyrics pop up in 's songs (cue up and for evidence). If often comes off as a youthful wannabe on , he also happens to be pretty good at it; the force and sincerity of his songs roll over the occasional clunky spots, and the band brings this music across with a strength and urgency that suggests a version of , with 's guitars and 's drumming brimming with fire and energy. are far too good to be the New Millennium's answer to , but it's all but impossible to listen to without being aware of this band's key influence; even if they never grow out of their obsession, they're worth hearing, but it's hard not to hope they'll develop a stronger identity of their own with time...though they may want to warn their tax accountant before that happens. ~ Mark Deming