Within Reach (Brian Vander Ark/The Verve Pipe)

Perhaps Brian Vander Ark's solo career makes up for memories of his older — and recently reunited — Verve Pipe, '90s Michigan alterna-popsters of the ubiquitous melodrama "The Freshman." Alone, he's made more adult-oriented, acoustic-dipped balladry that whispers "mature human being" rather than "radio friendly!" or "viral marketing campaign." (Or, "No, we're not the Verve!") Three LPs in four years have honed this newer direction's discipline, peaking on a new eponymous LP that's aided by balmy producer Bill Szymczyk. Vander Ark already came armed with a throat that's Peter Gabriel cum Elbow's Guy Garvey. But he no longer oversings/oversells small-bore tales of ordinary people, highlighted by "Little Man" and the Graham Nash-ish "Evangeline," philosophical treatises on the pitfalls of excessive pride. (An ex-rock star would know, and good on him for shedding.) Like a neo-Elton John circa Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across the Water (think "Amoreena"), he lets tapping lead piano, light guitars, and mild percussion set the scene, though there are rootsy/country numbers, too. Not bad. ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover, Rovi