Simple: It’s all in the music.

TRIP TO THE 13th is that rare breed of recorded music, one that hits the listener head on from the first chord and holds on clear through to the very last emotive note with such an immediate, unyielding appeal that it’s purely uncanny. This 6-piece Southern Michigan band capably channels the best aspects from today’s signature modern alt-rock bands and then adds a unique twist all their own. From Matchbox Twenty to Pearl Jam, Fuel and Our Lady Peace, Bliss 66 transmutes them all with vigor, passion, earnest swagger and a hip, post-grunge sensibility.

Right from the start, Bliss 66 lets you know who's in charge with the lead off tracks, “Paramont” and "Sooner or Later". Catchy beats, accessible melodies and a vocalist who is the auditory twin to Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Brett Scallions of Fuel AND Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace makes these songs into choice fodder for MTV rotation. Add a little of the vocal sincerity from Creed lead singer Scott Stapp to the mix, and you’ll have an even better understanding of what an immense singing talent Bliss 66’s Cheyenne Goff truly is. Goff has a way with bending phrases into palpable feeling, making lyrics come alive through his thriving vocalizations, and his intensely vibrant voice is perfectly matched for the powerful music support coming from his bandmates.

It should then come as no surprise that this sextet has a tight history together as high school friends, bandmates and members of their church chorus. The comfort and ease they exhibit in working with oneanother is unmistakable and, undoubtedly, a huge part of why Bliss 66 works so well as a rock band.

Songs like the captivating “If We Could”, with its nasty guitar hooks and defining percussion, and the traditional rock ethic expressed in “Trip” and “Letting Go” are equally indicative of the sweeping sonic spectacle contained in this recording. “Trip” expresses a direct nod to the band, LIVE, in its use of jangly guitars and tempered force, while “Letting Go” comes on hard and soft all at once, like Incubus and Collective Soul rolled into one. With such an avalanche of in-your-face frenetic rockitude, I can't wait to hear “Letting Go” burn it up on the radio!

Then, there is the cut titled “Live”, a hard-hitting, yet delicately tender track. Here again, Goff showcases the range of his vocal instrument, touching upon the grace of Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas, but digging deeper to arrive at edgier angles and stronger emotional depth. “Not Quite Paradise”, a song included on the soundtrack for the animated feature film “Titan A.E.”, combines traditional rock flourishes with the glossy modernity of a band like Vertical Horizon. Produced by mega-producer Glen Ballard, this and the reverent and inspirational “Defense” fully demonstrate what happens when classic rock is refined and transformed into something more harmonious and contemporary.

The ability to reconcile the basic tenets of passionate, fiery classic rock n roll with the melodic sensibilities of modern rock is precisely what makes Bliss 66 the developing great band it is. It's not too hard, and not too loud, but just fierce enough to be assured and confident sounding. With so much good stuff put into a debut release, one can only but wonder how this band will ever follow this!