The Gabe Dixon Band [8/26] * [by The Gabe Dixon Band, CD, 2008]

The Gabe Dixon Band have long been considered a staple of the college rock scene, but there's a definite lack of beer-slamming anthems on this album, which reintroduces the group as a slimmed-down ... more

The Gabe Dixon Band have long been considered a staple of the college rock scene, but there's a definite lack of beer-slamming anthems on this album, which reintroduces the group as a slimmed-down trio with an improved focus on songwriting. It's often difficult for a frat rock band to leave the campus behind; O.A.R.'s All Sides, for example, saw the group struggling to transform their reggae-influenced jams into smooth, uplifting rock. Gabe Dixon goes about his conversion in a smarter manner, emphasizing his bouncing piano chords and pop-schooled melodies in a way that's both mature and commercial. Ben Folds Five are still a touchstone for the group, although Dixon's lyrics detail the ups and downs of love without the humor and cultural references that fuel Folds' work. Fans of David Gray, the Fray, and other smooth-voiced craftsmen will find much to enjoy about this self-titled effort, particularly during such highlights as "Disappear," "Far from Home," and the Wurlitzer-fueled "Find My Way." Too loud for the coffeehouse and too soft for modern rock radio, the Gabe Dixon Band nevertheless sound quite comfortable occupying their own niche. Andrew Leahey, Rovi less