The day after ...

The Weight of All Things

(Self-released)

The appeal of a woman-fronted band in the utterly adolescent boys club of rock 'n' roll has always come with the caveat that said woman probably won't be taken seriously by those in the scene. All too often, woman musicians are reduced to just another pretty billboard to broadcast the beauty clichés of the day onto. The music itself ends up getting the short shrift, the rest of the band is put back in the shadows and the A&R guy couldn't be happier.

A pleasant change from this dismal norm, The day after ... has been plying its wares on the local scene for a couple years now and has garnered a reputation for tight, well-constructed songs, melodically alluring vocals and an energetic live show. The independent, seven-song release The Weight of All Things finds the quartet solidifying their poppy, new-wave infused take on modern rock.

Opening track "Transparent" is a slice of exquisite melancholy with shifting guitar textures reminiscent of the Police. Jenine Cali's strong, emotive vocals glide along a buoyant melody that charms the listener, rather than demanding acceptance. "Again This Falls" is a bittersweet pop gem that doesn't sound too far off from the more melodic leanings of the Foo Fighters. A take on Dramarama's "Anything Anything" is a good enough buzz for the punters, but it's the original material penned here that holds the most interest. Throughout, the band truly plays together as a unit, preferring to let the song work its magic instead of weighing it down with unnecessary parts. Guitarist Trevor Warnick weaves smart counterpoint lines that further draw out the deft hooks.

All in all, this well-crafted modern-rock/pop disc shows that there may yet be a glimmer of hope on the local horizon.

AARON ARCHER

RENIMANI@NME.COM