Radio pop rocks a la the cute boy approach of Matchbox 20 type safe rock that gets the college chicks. The lyrics hit with a witty bounce, presented in a very earnest light, are rightfully highlighted, since they are going to be the selling factor of "Stroke 9." This type of selling factor geared for easy listening radio pop for the most part, but listen closer. Those lyrics trickle over some endearing melodies. If the radio must consistently present washy, non-rocking, alterna college rock (see Counting Crows, Toad the Wet Sprocket and such), I'd be happy if they featured "Stroke 9."

The build in "Little Black Backpack" is one of "Stroke 9's" more creative moments (love those opposing conversation high voice parts) and displays the band's ability to craft a tricky transition. They would do well to utilize this approach more. This is my pick for a single here. If bands were like companies, and you could buy stock, I'd drop a couple of bucks on "Stroke 9," since they show an intelligent streak within some of the easy answer radio nuggets.

When "Stroke 9" get lazy, they present some forgettable shallow fluff, but there are small rewards for some patience. The cute factor occasionally overrides the craft, and will draw the line of like or not like with "Stroke 9," who are geared for the girls and lovers of the shallow catch.