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My initial reaction to SNACKS was "What IS this shit?" The opening track, "The Cinnamon Show," will put you in the mind of one of those opening numbers for a live children's production. You know the type, Bear and the Big Blue House comes to town, and is a disappointment because you can see Bear and Shadow and everybody better on the television. Things settle down quickly, though; the opening track is one of those irritating little introductory tunes that some bands, especially misguided rappers, seem obliged to tack onto the beginning of their CDs.

It's still hard to get an accurate handle about what The Cinnamon Show is all about, however. What little information that is present on their website (www.snacksmusic.com) and the CD jacket would seem to indicate that they incorporate what they do into some sort of old time Vaudeville production. The remainder of the music on SNACKS, however, is an interesting mix of keyboard-driven pop tunes ala The Beatles by way of Squeeze. There is, in fact, a direct nod to The Beatles at the end of "Six Months Philosophy" when the band fades out on a passage from "I Want To Hold Your Hand." The Paul Carrack/JoolsHolland influence is particularly evident on "The Boys Don't Care," "Miracle Child, "Six Month Philosophy," and "A Lovely Night In Paris," all of which are smartly written, tightly performed tunes with keyboard morse code riffs and high harmonies. The overall effect is certainly entertaining enough, and the project more than stands on its own.

SNACKS is an interesting if somewhat derivative project which seems to serve as a possible vehicle for a full-fledged theatrical presentation. The level of musicianship and craft remains high throughout and certainly The Cinnamon Show, at least at first blush, would seem to be worth checking out if they should stray into your area. If your CD collection is already heavy on power pop, you might not necessarily need this disc, but for anyone who is unfamiliar with the genre or who is just getting into it SNACKS would be a most worthwhile introduction