Super Genius'Super Genius'

Ignatus J. Records

Grade: A

Super Genius, a light folk rock band from the Boston area, has long had a loyal cult following. Now on their new self-titled CD, "Super Genius," the group seeks to finally break through into mainstream music scene. Super Genius consists of four seasoned musicians: award-winning songwriter Mike Barry, talented drummer Dave Mattacks and veteran guitarists Milt Reder and Dean Cassell. Though the four are not very well known, Super Genius brings together four incredibly talented musicians whose songs are very enjoyable to listen to.

The origin of the group's name derives from that each member musically is indeed a "super genius." While performing with various other groups, Barry was named Boston Magazine's "Best Local Songwriter" and was nominated for two Boston Music Awards. During their musical careers, Reder and Casell have played with Grammy nominee Susan Tedeschi and with the group Four Piece Suit, whose music can be heard on the HBO show "Sex and the City." Mattacks, who is considered to be one of the best drummers, has recorded with pop legends such as Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Elton John.

Super Genius has a rock sound similar to groups such as the Dave Matthews Band or Sister Hazel. Their upbeat, feel-good songs, such as "Understand" and "Real Love," remind me what quality music is all about amid the Britney Spears imitators and overload of dirty hip-hop songs. The group produces skillful music with their dreamy, relaxed, slower tunes like "Lies" and "This Time." Barry's full, rich voice carries the group and gives the group's songs their memorable soul and power. The great talents of guitarists Reder and Cassell shine throughout "Super Genius," particularly on the final track, "I Used to Be."

Not only does "Super Genius" have superior musicians and quality songs, but the CD's lyrics are also reflective and meaningful as well. The group addresses the usual themes in music like love, heartbreak and self-doubt. Yet Super Genius deals with some unique themes as well.

The group voices their frustration with the material values of society in "The Cult of Money." On "Wait for a Beautiful World," Super Genius even sings about the beauty of monkeys frolicking in nature. Though the lyrics get repetitive within their songs, at least the group avoids corny rhythms and clich phrases often heard in mainstream music nowadays. There is a certain honesty in Super Genius's lyrics that make their words feel true and their emotions genuine.

Especially at a time when CDs are so expensive, I know it can often be risky to try new music. However, " Super Genius" is well worth a first listen. The local Boston group's immense musical "genius" and "Super," soulful rock sound cannot be ignored among music's rising talents.

To promote their album, Super Genius will be performing at the Toad in Cambridge, MA on Thursday, March 27.