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Yoni’s debut full length album Extra Credit is a collection of radio-ready rock songs in the vein of John Mayer and Dave Matthews. The Florida based singer/songwriter dabbles in various styles ranging from modern rock to piano-driven anthems to punk-infused pop. There’s a promising and enjoyable element to the whole cd, but also a certain level of homogeneity that leaves more to be desired. 

The most marketable track of the album would have to be Twentysomething, a fresh and relatable power pop song about coming of age. With its catchy guitar riff and sing-a-long chorus it’s no wonder this song was chosen as the album’s first single. The coming of age theme permeates the whole album, as many of Yoni’s songs center on the carefree joy of youth as well as the sobering realities of growing older. 

Some tracks seem out of place, like the melodic bossa nova of Maybe This Time and Morning, but still work. The latter manages to mix the lounge-y sound with a sunny pop chorus without being too gimmicky. There are even two politically driven songs - the anthemic Fate of the Union and slow burning The Fight Goes On - fixed right in the middle of the cd. Fate is the most musically interesting of the two, with guitar reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne and a distorted vocal intro that fits perfectly with Yoni‘s commentary on the state of the world. 

The album closes on a high note with the ska/punk sensibilities of Let the Devil Know, which sounds like it belongs on a completely different album. The incessant drums, frenzied guitar, and incisive lyrics tease of what Yoni could be capable of if he left behind the mainstream sound.  It’s a shame more of the album doesn’t expand on that potential. 

Taken at face value, Extra Credit is good enough, but not impressive. With record stores full of countless pop/rock singer-songwriters, an individual artist has to have a different sound or approach to distinguish himself from the masses. Yoni hasn’t quite honed in on a way to standout, which is the downfall of the record.