Inertia

On their first release for Virgin, the Exies deliver a radio-friendly modern rock stance while fronting a post-grunge snarl on Inertia. It's a heavy record, layered guitar work sifting through glassy electronic beats, but it's also a hungry effort. Frontman/vocalist Scott Stephens blazes his way throughout Inertia; he's an energetic spitfire on "My Goddess," while the raw scratch of "Genius" grovels like Scott Weiland. "No Secrets" thrives on more of a blues-rock-inspired groove, but the Exies thirst for the power of a guitar. Overall, Inertia is a vibrant rock effort; however, it's a touch formulaic. "No Secrets" and the title track echo mid-'90s alternative rock à la Collective Soul, but who's to say it's not decent? The Exies are a young band. They have potential to shape a more original sound because of a nearly polished presentation; they've come a long way from their self-titled debut, but the work in progress continues.