I listen to most of the CD's I review 3-4 times before I write a review. This CD is the perfect example of why I do this. Based on my mood the day I'm listening or what I am doing while playing the CD (because I'm almost always multi-tasking) I find that my opinion changes after multiple listens. Sometimes I like what I hear the first time around but after a couple listens I grow tired of the band/artist. If after 3 listens I still like the work I'll write a review. If I don't like the work on the first go around I rearly like the music on the second or third try. This CD was the exception

Looking at the outside CD cover I got an opinion about what the music inside was going to be. The outside CD cover lead me to believe that I was about to listen to a grunge or alternative/metal band for some reason. I think it was because I just reviewed the band 26MPH and their CD had a similar color scheme. Then I opened the sleeve to reveal band leader Matt Shwachman holding an acoustic guitar.

CD cover confussion aside, My Silent Bravery is actually a band of 4 musicians with a number of quest apperances along the way. Musicially, the band cames across as older guys living the boy band dream. The music is very dance based and songs are about love, life and religious beliefs.

On first listen I hated this offering. It was the classic boy band gone solo material. Think Justin Timberlake or Justin Bieber for inspiration. I have no room in my CD player for this kind of material.

Then on the third listen I started liking this stuff. Oh my God, have I gone soft? How could a middle aged rocker that just finished reviewing two killer metal acts even give this release a second or third listen. I had to listen a fourth time to to be sure I wasn't on some kind of medicine while listening the third time.

The fourth listen confirmed that I don't like boy bands but this stuff was pretty good. Musicianship was obvious, the songs are well written and the music is very pleasing to the ear (especially if you are a young impressionable female). The bass is pumped up a bit to much for me, but this is also the sound of the times so why fight it.

Can't complain here except for the afore mentioned extended bass. The added bass did give the CD a dance feel to it so I shouldn't complain to much. The band obviously wanted this effect and they got what they wanted. Just because I can't dance doesn't mean I should harp about a little extra bass. The recording was crystal clear as the engineers involved with this CD are very aware of how to use the modern tools available to them.

The material on this CD is not my cup of tea, but I can not deny this band it's just rewards. This is a very talented group of players and Matt Shwachman's vocals are first class. I know I'll hate myself in the morning but I have to give this CD 4 Stars.