I would warn pseudo-rockers to start working on their next irresistible hit records, because as Canadian rock quartet Dakona enters the mainstream, they may take on dangerous levels of speed. After two indie releases and six years together, it is no wonder that Dakona's new "Perfect Change" sounds polished and mature even though it is their first major label debut. Maverick Records swiped up this Vancouver based band after they spent the last several years bouncing between gigs from clubs to parking lots.

Overall, the group has the typical "four young guys"-guitars/bass/vocals-"we are still growing as a band" feel. But what sets Dakona apart from the other bubble-wrapped rock groups out there is their polished and cohesive sound. This is what will make them competitive in the pop rock market - they are new and fresh (to outsiders of the Canadian indie rock scene; namely us) while still managing a mature finished album.

The group's first album, "Good Enough For Me," was released to rave reviews in 1998. It was followed up two years later with "Ordinary Heroes," which became the number one selling album in Vancouver, receiving radio play and major recording industry nods.

Cousins Ryan McAllister (vocals/guitar) and John Biondolillo (drums) teamed up with friends Brook Winstanely (guitars) and Shane Dueck (bass) to make up this rock quartet that just completed a national tour with Michelle Branch.

Their sound is evocative of the radio friendly Lifehouse or Fuel. You could even go as far as to say Dakona is Avril meets Creed. Until I listened to "In Gods Name" and did a little online CD shopping, I had no idea they were a Christian based rock band -- which is not something I would normally be attracted to, as I tend to gravitate more towards non-denominational music. Nevertheless, I encourage those who generally tend to practice separation between church and CD to give this a chance.
Dakona embraces a sweet rock beat that provokes both head bobbing and singing along. Lead singer Ryan McAllister's guttural voice roughs up the edges a bit, giving it a more legitimate rock feel.

Featured track "Good (I've Got A Lot To Learn)" has a powerful back beat and hot guitar chords that I imagine could provoke me, with enough caffeine in my system, to pull a little grab the microphone (a.k.a - my hairbrush), head-bang -jump-on-the-bed demonstration.
I had a similar feeling itch at me when listening to "Soul for Sale," which strangely reminded me of Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." This connection either means I am pining for Bon Jovi, and my unconscious desires are reflected in all the music I hear, or that Dakona has produced one of those poppy rock tunes that has classic potential. I am going to go with the latter option, not only because I want to reaffirm my own self respect but also in the name of legitimate musical critique. The thumping lyrics, "Joyride in a hot car baby/Got room for one and a suitcase maybe," have that cheesy appeal that I personally can't resist. If I had a car, I would put this song on my driving mix.

"Revolving" is a sad, jagged account of the frustration of being caught in one of those circular relationships that never seem to be resolved. "I'm caught in an orbit around your sun/Revolving, revolving again/Each time I turn more damage is done." The metaphor is not too shoddy.
McAllister's angst ridden voice and the repetition of the word "revolving" emphasize more the feeling of frustration that he is trying to express.
"Richest Man" is another radio friendly track preaching, "I gotta be free from the chains that bind me." It is a noble cry against materialism that, given my "poor college student" status and my infallible hope for fame and fortune, I cannot without resistance relate to. "Steal my gold, take my pearls/I am the richest man in the world."

This is a catchy tune, with great drum use, but the message I feel will lose its absoluteness once Dakona actually falls into some fame and fortune themselves.

Yet regardless of how they deal with it, I predict that with a solid album like this one, Dakona actually does have a chance of coming across some "gold" and "pearls."

Listen to the music; see if it can find a place on your driving mix. Yet, please note my refusal to call this band rock. Do not be misled. I have dubbed this genre of pop rock "pseudo" partly because I can not legitimately call any band touring with Michelle Branch serious "rock."
Call it an issue of integrity.