Math And Science: Math & Science : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Add John Wolf to the lengthy list of shy, sensitive guys who are most comfortable expressing their innermost feelings while holed up in a bedroom with a four-track and a pile of musical gear. Taking a break from his regular gig as P.J. Olsson's drummer, Wolf is responsible for all the songs and almost all the playing on this debut release, which features twelve skillfully crafted pop songs with a humble, homegrown feel. Although cheesy drum machines and weird effects abound, the principal focus here is Wolf's thin but endearing voice. His intimate phrasing and fragile vibrato at times suggest a male version of Aimee Mann. But you can bet Mann would never write a song as gleefully lovestruck as "Eternity" or as unself-consciously nostalgic as "Fifteen." Eschewing overt cleverness, Wolf cloaks his smarts with an aura of innocence that's fresh and appealing. (MAC RANDALL)