Blue Merle - Burning in the Sun

Ah! I'm finally reviewing a debut album. It feels like it's been too long, and too often I've had to rely on the little bit I've heard from a group's back catalog in order to sufficiently write about their new material. Thankfully, Nashville's Blue Merle gives me little research to do, and Burning in the Sun comes off as a strong entrance into this rock & roll world. Blue Merle is definitely suited for airplay. Not so much on an indie station, though they wouldn't be extremely ill-fitting, but the mainstream airwaves should have few troubles in embracing these guys. Songwriter Luke Reynolds and company know what they're doing, and their accesibility provides them with a foundation for really making a name for themselves. It's not really my thing, but there's an overwhelming amount of people out there who I could see keeping Blue Merle around for a good while. The positives: Burning in the Sun is a solid collection of twangy pop/rock with poignant lyrics, smart arrangements of dreamy, relaxed soundscapes provided by acoustic guitars, whispery vocals, and the occasional mandolin or fiddle. There's something on here that makes me want to say Dave Matthews Band (gasp!). Maybe it's the vocals. Maybe it's the unusual instruments. I'm not sure, but either way, Blue Merle doesn't fall into that "jam band" area, so don't take that comparison as such. Songs like "Part of Your History" reveal the band's apparently deep interests in bluegrass and country, a characteristic which you'll feel through all twelve tracks. The negatives: I can't really say anything here. Burning in the Sun is an above average album, and the future is definitely a bright place for Blue Merle. There's nothing on the record that should offend your taste, and being able to play to all crowds will be their key to success. Mainstream radio addicts will enjoy it a bit at worst, teenagers will pass it off as something that their older siblings would enjoy, and music snobs won't hate it for the talent lying within. Good job guys; I commend you. [www.bluemerle.com]