Album Name: Believeland Composer: Mild Mannered Record Label: Mildmanneredhq.com (National) These indie pop rockers trade in the twinkling and chimes commonly found in the genre for big hooks and bold ’90s alternative rock guitars and a belting front woman. The band kicks off the record with “Back Home” which has a big rock build up that takes a surprise turn into a verse and chorus dynamic, though the track does pick up into some pretty impressive vocals parts. The guitars become a washing wall of sound at the songs dramatic conclusion. The following two tracks take a similar approach, with some interesting instrumental variations thrown in. By the middle of the record the group is emerged in full ’90s rock radio territory, with warped guitars and a casual moodiness to the songs. A review of this record would not be complete with a mention of the incredible packaging these thing comes in. This is something that has been neglected in recent years as everything goes digital, but there are some really incredible packs out there. This simple cardboard bi-fold is adorned with a black and white shot of what appears to be a abandoned sandlot with a tricycle, long forgotten, rusting in the weeds. Inside they kept the design clean with vibrant colors laid out like the topographical map of sand dunes. If you are on the fence about this record check out this commercial, www.mildmanneredhq.com/mild_mannered_HQ/media.html, it pretty much puts it over the top. Big guitars, catchy melodies and a lot of gumption.