The Capital Sons’ press materials tout their Paul Westerberg-ian and Eddie Vedder-ian influences, but I hear big helpings of the Counting Crows. That’s probably not what the band was going for on this self-titled debut – and it’s not meant as an insult. The Sons convey the Crows’ mixture of darkness and light and it works well on this record.

Leadoff track, “Miss Understood,” employs the age-old formula of backbeat and “ooooooh” backup vocals and it works. The Crows’ influence comes through in spades on “On Your Side,” in which singer Karl Obermeyer croons, “No one’s on your side,” then growls, “I will be tonight.” It’s simultaneously passionate and creepy, which is perfect for the song (and kind of makes you wish Adam Duritz would be less miserable and a little more creepy).

Though subsequent songs don’t have quite the staying power of “On Your Side,” they have the Capital Sons, who are a capable bunch. Obermeyer only overdoes it a few times on the vocals, which is a feat for someone with such a strong voice. The rest of the band has similar good judgment about when to pull back and when to give it their all; rhythm guitarist Gary Vogel especially shines on “Leaving Town,” in which his guitar adds atmosphere to Obermeyer’s plaintive lyrics.

The record ends on a high note with “Paint This Town,” when Obermeyer sings, “We could dance on top of these tables.” It makes you hopeful the guy who had a hard time in all those other songs, somehow made it out alive. DB

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