Critic's Review
Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
Comprised of siblings K Cook and Jason Cook (drummer), and guitarist Tony Ward, Reno opens their self-titled debut with "I Think I Know," an upbeat song that captures the same simple charms of Hanson. It would be unfair to lump Reno in with flavor of the minute teen-pop bands, though. Although some of the lyrics are youngish at times, the songwriting is rarely contrived and the playing is solid. K has a candy-coated voice, although there are moments ("Whole World") it seems like she might be holding back a bit. The ballad "He's Coming Home" has a delicious '60s, girl-group feel to it, and "Growing Away," the soaring "Glow," and "Falling," featuring a lovely vocal by K, are dreamy confections. Reno is just a little muscle ("Love Me Right" is a trifle limp) and a little less programming from being a very good power pop band. As they are, Reno is still an engaging and promising debut with more than a few inescapable hooks.
