Space Camp's press sheet states ... "Space Camp sounds exactly like The Pixies, Modest Mouse and Archers of Loaf." Funny, I was about to say the same thing! It isn't such a bad thing since I'm a big fan of the Pixies and Archers of Loaf.

The first track, "The Science of the Situation," caught me off guard when the vocals kicked in. The vocal stylings of Eric Bachmann burst from my speakers, but this wasn't Eric Bachmann. It took me aback at first and made me wonder if this was just going to be a best of, indie rock rip-off band. After a couple of listens I let go of my music snobbery and enjoyed the pumped-up anthem choruses the Archers – and now Space Camp – are so good at.

The second track is called "Credit Due" and it's the standout track on the record. It has the sort of shout along verses you'd find on earlier Modest Mouse records, but with a heavier musical twist. The chorus of "come and wake me when it's over" was ringing in my head this afternoon as I sat in my sad and lonely cubicle. Hell it's still ringing in my head.

The other track that stood out was "Radio Velveteen." It takes the air out of those jobber musician types who feel playing in a cover band is a significant contribution to rock and roll. It's about time more rock bands take shots at these people and Space Camp is the band with the balls to do it. The chorus shouts "there's nothing left to play, you were in a cover band ... turn if off." Go pick up this record. You'll like it. It rocks. NL

www.royaltyetc.com/spacecamp