Common Rider
Last Wave Rockers

Simply beautiful. This is how one can summarize the debut of Common Rider, released in the same year of their formation (1999) by Jessie Michaels, former Operation Ivy member.

Accompanied by Mass Giorgini (bass) and Dan Lumley (drums), both former Screeching Weasel members, Jessie chose the band's name from a Japanese TV show (Kamn Raidâ) and the trio released "Last Wave Rockers," immediately notable for its childlike artwork on the cover.

It starts with a gem: "Classics Of Love" is beautiful, especially in the choruses with alternating vocals, "Castaways" is more rhythmic and allows for a brief interlude where a shy organ appears, while "Signal Signal" and "Walk Down The River" have a more reggae flavor and a danceable beat, the latter enhanced by the second female voice and a sax that accompanies us on the 'walk down the river'.

Then there's my favorite: "Conscious Burning," where the horns weave into the sharp, precise drumming, making the track one of the most singable, naturally after "Carry On," made to be learned after the first verse.

"Deep Spring" is a semi-acoustic interlude where one can admire Jessie's vocal skills, while the subsequent "Angels At Play," like "Hetaseeker" and "Rise Or Fall," are among the fastest tracks on the album, never forgetting to delight us with pastel-tinted melodies and singable choruses.

What strikes me, though, is the simplicity made perfection that permeates the entirety of "Last Wave Rockers": sharp drums, "square" bass line, 4 clean guitar chords that do not seek distortion to cover everything as you often hear in many three-member bands. Songs as normal as they are excellent.

It all sounds a bit ska, a bit reggae, with hints of punk, but in my opinion, this is mostly rock. A classic rock, with songs that can be sung along with after just one listen, genuine rock with clean sounds, straightforward choruses, lacking sterile virtuosity or filling electronic parts.

So welcome these albums, especially when played by people with such a respectable past.

To be sung!