“Candy In My Pocket”

McLain 88

Straight out of Cedar Rapids, comes this down-home foursome known as McLain 88. Boasting a crappy name and pretty looks, the band has little else to offer on its debut album “Candy In My Pocket.”

The album opens with the roots rock kind of tune “Actor.” Lead singer/keyboardist Jason McLain sings the mildly prophetic, often overdone lyrics, “Am I even here, or am I an actor on the stage.”

Besides cheap lyrics, McLain’s singing voice is also mildly annoying.

It’s almost as if McLain swallowed Garth Brooks and then tried to cough up some talent.

It’s not like the actual music is all that bad though. Guitarist Chris Callaway can pluck out some tight riffs, backed up by bassist Atom Robinson and drummer Matt Winegardner. Even McLain’s keyboard playing is noteworthy.

The music breeches many genres as it flows from roots rock to country. “What Only Stars Can See” is the most countrified ballad on the album. McLain croons about a past love affair with a girl in the back of a truck.

There’s even some rockabilly thrown in on the strangely titled “Bobby Ray Tom.” McClain’s keyboard playing is reminiscent of the Doors, especially on songs like “Candy In My Pocket” and the jazzy “Leave Me Behind.”

McLain 88 even goes as far as to include some swing-flavored candy with “Mouthful of Dirt.” The song really grinds along and at times sounds a little like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

“Candy In My Pocket” proves that McLain 88 is a band comprised of talented musicians held back by an annoying singer and poor lyrics.

2 STARS

— Kevin Hosbond