Buddahead's third record, Ashes, flirts throughout with solid rock.  In some key places, though, the band backs down just when you're ready to get dirty. From the outset, it's clear that Iranian lead singer Raman Kia has a good voice - a clean mid-range with a crisp falsetto.  But the first track, Ruin, passes without any attempt to test his range in full voice, to get that raw power that distinguishes singers like Brandon Boyd (Incubus) and Thom Yorke (Radiohead). Luckily, Kia taps into some reserves in the middle songs, like Sour Grapes, but he should flex those chops more.Also from the outset, we hear that Buddahead has some arrangement mastery with key changes and unique rhythms, but again, they remain timid.  For first half of the album, most songs are in six/eight time signature, with some interesting key changes and impressive crescendos, especially in Burning Out.  But drummer Rich Scannella should break out sometimes.  We don't need any prog rock psycho-composition, but some alternative beats in Five/Four, Seven/Eight, or just some cut time would be a great addition.As you start thinking of the rock possibilties, though, Ashes dives towards the end of the album.  All the six/eight, clean guitar, and falsetto brings us almost to a lullaby in Rescue Us. And I've never heard a good song titled, Story Of Our Lives, and Ashes last track is no departure.

After a few listens, I found myself humming some licks, and rocking out to some of the better breaks.  In all Ashes, is like any flirt: they catch your interest, but leave you wanting a little more.