VCR - Power Destiny

VCR follow up their self-titled EP with the full length Power Destiny, employing the same basic style of sarcastic synth pop/rock. At least it sounds sarcastic to me, largely due to the grating vocals of Chad Middleton. They play synth powered rock, with an emphasis on the implied anthem, and drawing much of their influence from the punk and new-wave sections of the world. Unfortunately for them, they rarely exhibit enough energy to grab your attention for five seconds, and even if they could, the unchanging song formats would lose you just as quickly. That's not to say VCR doesn't have potential, though. The sound is very danceable and at times just energetic enough to be fun. With more of a focus on keeping songs fresh and less focus on the vocals (or a different singer) you could be seeing them as the next band your sister plays at her college parties... or in a heart-warming dance soliloquy from a lonely, frustrated drunk in his dorm room. Putting aside the negative aspects, the album is at times enjoyable, and may be woth a listen for fans of HORSE the Band, the Epoxies, and the Whirlwind Heat. [www.sideonedummy.com]