Opening up with a song that is eerily similar to the jazzy rock style perfected by the Tragically Hip, Karmablind gets their debut album off to a good start. Although lead singer and songwriter Mark Sly has a limited vocal range, the rhythm and guitar arrangements are excellent for nearly all... [+] Expand

Opening up with a song that is eerily similar to the jazzy rock style perfected by the Tragically Hip, Karmablind gets their debut album off to a good start. Although lead singer and songwriter Mark Sly has a limited vocal range, the rhythm and guitar arrangements are excellent for nearly all four minutes. The subsequent track, "Leave a Light On," is a slow-builder, but its chorus has a better result. It's a cliché format, but the tight harmonies and Wayne Curtis Charleston's bass keep it moving along the right path. Rock ballads aren't Karmablind's strong point, though, as "All I Want Is You" is far too bland and rigid. The vocals are lightweight and seem to go downhill after a very weak bridge. It's a song that perhaps the Tea Party might be able to pull off much easier. "Tattoo" is a good track, but the guitars tend to get lost too far back in the mix. Sly's performance carries the tune but there is little else happening here. "Crumbs" is the album's shining moment, as the band discovers what works best for them, a down-tempo, moody pop/rock song. "Seed" is another bright spot with its power pop vibe and straightforward rock rhythm. Sly could demonstrate some added intensity but saves it for the infectious chorus. Josh Preston's guitar solo here is short but quite sweet. "Circles" has a similar tone to early albums by the Tea Party by creating a theatrical or orchestrated rock song. The final two minutes have a grandiose singalong arena rock quality to them. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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