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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 09 June 2008 13:05

This is highly listenable, melodic folk rock that alternates between intimately recorded acoustic guitars and jangly pop.

New Jersey musical auteur David Debiak is the man behind a series of obscure-themed concept albums under the moniker Sleep Station. We won't waste time elaborating on what the concepts are, and it doesn't matter, anyway. What's important is that this is highly listenable, melodic folk rock that alternates between intimately recorded acoustic guitars and jangly pop.

"Hello Mr. Coughlin" begins as a brisk little indie confection that makes a cool left turn in the middle into a guitar-centric jam-up reminiscent of Eric Clapton's early '70s work. It makes for a fascinating opener (you can tell a lot about an artist from their opening song, methinks). Brooding but effective acoustic tunes like "Under the Lights" and "Bells" are balanced by more intricate numbers like "Anna," a loping roots rocker that tickles the ears, and the mellotron-flavored "Always in the Fire."

Some of these songs, like "Tired of Me Now," have an easy familiarity about them, as though you'd discovered a batch of nice '70s tunes that you never heard before but thought you did. And "Fall" is a warm and wistful charmer. Ryan Ball is Debiak's primary collaborator—he plays a wide array of instruments and co-produced this thing. It's a breezy, crisply recorded album that's made of solid ingredients, like a refreshing summer cocktail. B | Kevin Renick

RIYL: Ryan Adams, The Decemberists, Beachwood Sparks