Default Outfit'Casual City'

Ioana Records

Grade: B+

Default Outfit is a fairly young band, having debuted in 2001 at the Sky Bar in Somerville. They are fiercely loyal to the Boston music scene, and have played several popular clubs in the area, including the Paradise, the Middle East and the House of Blues. Lead guitarist and singer Tom Brunette, guitarist Brian Hayes, bassist and vocalist Tom Richards and drummer Karl Flango hail from Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. Their only release thus far, "Casual City," is a solid recording that shows considerable promise.

It usually takes a little while for music to grow on me, unless the music is phenomenally good; Default Outfit is no exception. At first, the songs sounded like one big jumble of the popish-alt-rock bands that are already out there, such as Third Eye Blind. This CD is not particularly noteworthy either melodically or lyrically, but on the second or third listen, certain songs became more enjoyable.

The album starts off with a jolt with "Every Word I Said." This upbeat song has the catchiest guitar riff on the album, and I even found myself humming it throughout the day. Although the instrumentals are energetic, the lyrics are rather lovelorn: "Somewhere not so far from here / Enduring this our binding fear / Somehow not so fleeting when you're near / you're never near. ..." It almost sounds like Dashboard Confessional on a big caffeine high.

The title track, "Casual City," pops up just when things start to get a little monotonous. It's a nice change from the earnest love songs and it's even slightly reminiscent of older, CBGB-era rock/punk outfits. This driven track, with its catchy melody, incessant guitars and Brunette's strong voice driving the chorus, is great for a brisk walk to class.

The album ends on a notably mellower note, with the acoustic-powered "The Tremble Affair" about -- what else -- a tempestuous relationship. The slow, lilting pace of the closing song provided a nice contrast to the other songs on the album.

All in all, Default Outfit's debut album is nothing to write home about; they have yet to pinpoint a really unique sound. I found their album enjoyable enough, and look forward to seeing what they come out with next.