American Hi-Fi
Following in the footsteps ofFoo FighterDave Grohl, American Hi-Fi frontman Stacy Jones put aside his drum duties withVeruca SaltandLetters to Cleoto form American Hi-Fi--a wise move since Jones proves here to be a gem of a singer-songwriter and guitarist. The quartet's 13-song debut disc runs the gamut from booming, bubblegummy rock with edgy undertones ("Surround") to infectious,Offspring-like pop punk ("Flavor of the Weak"). Muscular guitars create an arena-rock feel, while producer Bob Rock (Metallica, theCult) helps make the group's stylistic shifts seem smooth as they move from the metallic "My Only Enemy," which sounds like a more organicNine Inch Nails, to nearNirvanaon "Hi-Fi Killer." American Hi-Fi cranks out delectable ear candy for fans of pure, guitar-driven power pop.--Katherine Turman