Rooney - Eureka

Los Angeles, CA's own Rooney are back with their brand new third studio album, Eureka. The follow up to 2007's Calling the World finds the group still adhering to the same musical formula that made their last two albums very warmly received by the general public. This album is definitely one of those discs that will help you get primed and in the mood to kick off the summer.

The disc starts off with "Holdin' On" a catchy, breezy track that features the prominent vocal work of frontman Robert Schwartzman and a flurry of guitars, keyboards, and drums to add to a very comforting track. The disc's first single and my favorite track off the album, "I Can't Get Enough" is a melodic, bombastic blast with groovy guitars and features fantastic keyboard work from Louie Stephens. "Only Friend" is a mystical, keyboard infused track that continues on the same musical path that the previous songs have taken with upbeat melodies and finely laid out guitar work. "All or Nothing" has a retro 80's style sound to it that is reminiscent of The Cars, who Rooney have stated in interviews is a strong musical influence of theirs, and that influence shows very prominently on this particular track. "The Hunch" is a bit of a hokey track that sounds like something you would probably hear in a 50's diner car and doesn't fit into place on the album here, which causes the disc to temporarily venture off course here.

The disc's second half comprises of "I Don't Wanna Lose You", a melodic, fun filled blast that has terrific vocal work from Robert and intricate guitar patterns spread throughout the song. "Go On" is a mellow, laid back rocker that is primed and ready for a ride to the beach with the sunroof open and the stereo cranked up really loud to this song. "Not In My House" is a thumping, pumped up party tune that shows the free wheeling, positive vibes that are found in plentiful amounts on the album. "Don't Look At Me" closes out the album with a great piece that brings together all the musical elements heard so far including guitars, drums, and keyboards all in one cohesive package. Rooney have succeeded once again in showing off their musicality to their adoring audience and blending together old sounds from the 60's and 70's and finding a way to make them sound current today.

In retrospect, a solid and well conducted effort here from Rooney, who have churned out another quality effort yet again with an assortment of power-pop tunes that is sure to get you geared up and ready for the summer. Having the right tunes at your disposal will make the summer experience that much enjoyable, so don't forget to take this disc along with you on your summer travels!

                                                                                                                              Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Holding On
2. I Can't Get Enough
3. Only Friend
4. Into the Blue
5. All Or Nothing
6. The Hunch
7. I Don't Wanna Lose You
8. Stars and Stripes
9. Go On
10. You're What I'm Looking For
11. Not In My House
12. Don't Look At Me