The Eines

This sophomore full-length effort from Toronto quartet the Eines is a bit like a travelogue of contemporary pop styles. Though book-ended with solid, straightforward melodic rock tunes, the program finds the band trying its hand at everything from crunchy rock'n'roll, ska and surf-rock material to twangier fare, lo-fi pop and even outright balladry. The talented group pulls it all off with aplomb, but in doing so ends up on the contrived side of restless. The exercise begs the question: Would the real Eines please step forward? Producer Joao Carvalho (Hayden, Treble Charger) helps impart a full and lively sound to the disc, which oughtn't be confused with the Eines similarly self-titled 2001 debut.