Algernon

Modern rock is alive and well in the Baltimore region and the band Algernon is a major contributing factor to that success. With a mix of easily-recognizable cover songs and a bunch of their own originals, Algernon has built a local following through their great live shows. Now with the release of their debut CD, Blur, the band is out to prove that they can rock in the studio too.

The 11 tracks on Blur stick to the same sound and formula that has worked for many other modern rock bands and the results are no different for Algernon. With Blur, Algernon proves that not only are they great musicians, but they can also write a solid rock song. While cover songs may be a staple of an Algernon live performance, Blur is a showcase for their original songs and when set apart they stand just fine on their own.

The album kicks off with the title track, "Blur." Driven by the outstanding rhythm section of Bryan Monteleone on bass guitar and TommyD on drums, the song immediately serves notice that Algernon is a melodic and hook-driven rock band. This theme continues throughout the album as Eric Steigerwald, lead guitar and vocals, and Phil Diener, acoustic guitar and vocals, take turns delivering one catchy chorus after another without losing their hard edge.

Though they borrow heavily from sounds of the current crop of artists in the modern rock genre, Algernon also shows that they were influenced by bands and genres from the past. Just like the glam metal hair bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s, some of the best moments on Blur are the ballads.

One of the finer songs on the CD is the final track, "Forever Remain." This song, very reminiscent to the aforementioned hair band power ballads, is a study in dynamics. It starts quietly with the restrained tones of just an acoustic guitar and vocals and slowly builds throughout the song. This crescendo effect adds more feeling to an already emotional song.

Another song that showcases the songwriting ability of the band is the pretty "Galaxy." The song, an ode to true love, contains some of the most heartfelt lyrics on the album. An excellent example of these lyrics is found in the first verse when they sing, "The stars will always shine on me/In your galaxy/I would travel ten million light years/Just to have you here with me."

With Blur, Algernon proves that they are not a one trick pony. Now fans of their live shows will be able to take home a little piece of the band, showing them there is a lot more to Algernon than meets the eye.

- Greg Yost