JULIUS BRAGG
Transceiver (Maniac)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Legend has it that when Julius Caesar would return to Rome from one of his conquests, people would gather from far and wide to hear him brag about his accomplishments. That's the inspiration for the name of this quartet from Michigan, and while they may not have conquered the rock music world just yet, their Maniac Records debut, Transceiver, offers plenty for them to boast about.

With 12 radio-ready tracks laced with pop hooks and fueled by a twin guitar attack rock attack, these guys are making a grab for the brass ring. That's not unusual, but of the dozens of indie bands I hear from every month, this is one of the few that sound ready to step up. They're instrumentally tight, have solid vocals, and Bob Shirley and Timothy James, who share guitar and vocal duties, have put together a solid set of songs, and in the final analysis, it's good songs that separate the just mights from the never wills in the rock n' roll sweepstakes.

Of course, if good playin', good singin' and good songs were all it took, there'd be about 1000 bands in the top 40. The world is full of talent. Will these guys make the big breakthrough? What's the secret? Who knows. Meanwhile, though, they've put together one of the strongest indie releases of the year, and that's worth bragging about.

Track List:

Destination Unknown * A Picture Of You * Mrs. Green * Walking Home * A Lot Like You * Where You Hide * Ground * Emily * 13 Years * Play * Holding Steady * Wayside

[Pick this up at www.maniac-music.com.]

© 2002 - Shaun Dale