Edgewater

Rock is dead? Oh please. Like the ubiquitous cockroach, there's no killing rock -- it will always be around, at least here in the States. And thus, when Edgewater were pushed to let up on their rock-centric sound by their label, Wind Up Records, they marched straight out the door, eventually landing on the more sympathetic and sensible Rock Ridge Records. They make their opinion clear about this entire sorry affair on "Rock Is Dead," a raging song that positively quivers with fury, and is the centerpiece of their We're Not Robots... album. "S.O.B." is, if anything, even angrier, so much so that at times Matt Moseman spits out the lyrics. "Get It Right" also bristles, not with anger though, but with thematic desperation and musical energy. The exhilarating "Caught in the Moment" surges with urgency, a song already spun off as a single and receiving airplay. "U" is driven by its dynamics, while the atmospheres define the sound on "S.O.S." and "Engage." Once again, it's the band's superb musicianship that shines through it all. Ricky Wolking's stunner of a bassline on "Apples & Oranges" is a particular standout, as is the guitarist's versatility, with alternating solos and power chords impressing throughout. Whether slamming out churning hardcore riffs or dropping in glowing, dreamy passages (the latter best heard on "Digging the Sounds"), the quintet rock it for all it's worth. No, rock's not dead, not as long as bands like Edgewater are here to keep it alive and thriving. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide