An instrumental attack as supercharged as Soundgarden's ("The Dam at Otter Creek"), freely suggestive lyrics and vocal phrasing that recall Michael Stipe ("Selling the Drama"), whisper-to-a-scream dynamics à la Nirvana – this Pennsylvania quartet seems ready-made for alternative stardom. It's not that they're calculating imitators. Rather, Live capture the anger and ache of the moment in riveting songs driven home by expert players. Edward Kowalczyk is a powerhouse singer; guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey drop musical smart bombs with unerring precision. Live strive for an epic sound; almost always they cinch it. (RS 688)

PAUL EVANS