Capital Theory, the pen name of singer/songwriter Drew Conley. Growing up with Jimmy Eat World and Weezer. The CD is piano driven pop-rock with a hint of punk attitude. The songs were not very deep but you shouldn't expect that from pop music. Conley plays all instruments except drums which are handled by Matt Hickenbotham and the additional vocals of Jon Heissier on two tracks.

Overall, the CD does nothing for me but it may be of interest to young females that just graduated high school. A visit to the artist's website and I read the phrase "an album unlike any other" and I'm instantly turned off. This is not ground breaking music. It won't change music as we know it. This is not Zepplin II, Van Halen I, Dark Side of the Moon, Sergeant Peppers or anything close. Even bands that changed the world with their music never claimed that they would do this when the album (or CD) was released. Any artist that claims they have something more special then anyone else needs to take a few steps back and look at what they have from a different perspective. Ask others outside the normal circle of friends to tell them what they hear and be a bit more humble.

Now that I have blasted Drew, let me give him his just reward. Drew went on the road playing as many shows as he could to save enough money to record and release his CD. This takes vision and a real commitment to a dream. He set out with a goal in mind and after a couple years he was able to turn that goal into a reality. I may not like the material, but I love the business mind that Drew has. He didn't run to his parents and beg for money to make his dream come true. He went out and grab the bull by the horns and made it happen himself. For that I would support this guy and pay to see him play if he ever makes it down to Florida.

Capital Theory's premier album, produced by Jason McEntire (Ludo, Story of the Year, Destiny's Child) and recorded at Sawhorse Studio in St. Louis, MO. The CD sound quality was in line with many of the CD's I have been getting lately. With so many affordable studios open across the country independent bands are releasing CD's that sound amazing. Drew's voice was crystal clear and distinctive in the mix. The vocals didn't sound drenched in reverb or delay. It was pure and honest the way a good pop vocalist should sound. The drums sounded a bit flat but that may have been by design. The piano and additional guitars were all well placed within the sound stage and the CD didn't suffer from the effects of excessive compression.

This is a good CD that sounded great. The material was not my cup of tea but I don't think I was the targeted audience. Young females should flock to this artist. He has that cute guy down the street look about him and he is a fine musician. I would love to see some quality Youtube video of Drew playing live.

The CD garners 3 1/2 Stars out of 5. Not bad and I give him a 5 for his efforts and determination.