Panic In Detroit

Despite bandmember claims that Donald Fagen and Thin Lizzy are influences on Panic in Detroit's sound, the debut EP from the Houston group exhibits influences far more contemporary: One hears a very similar brand of heavy yet melodic rock to contemporary artists like Good Charlotte and A Simple Plan (only without the MTV oversaturation). The five songs offered here exhibit spirited, soaring vocals, tight musicianship, and guitar solos that are far more blistering than they need to be — in other words, a power pop album in hard rock's clothing. "Young Attraction," which strongly hints of early Lennon-McCartney compositions, is a particularly strong cut, as is the rousing "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things." Panic in Detroit is the sound of talented musicians who work incredibly well together but haven't been together long enough to fully focus their sound.