Eclectic rockers 'land' near top

A Place to Land\nDakota Moon\nElektra\nThink of Dakota Moon's follow up to their 1998 self-titled debut as a rockin,' soul-filled combination of R&B and soft-rock with a little pop mixed in for extra flare. A Place To Land offers listeners a fresh sound, each track telling a different story with great harmonies and stomp-along percussion. The band features Ty Taylor and Joe Dean on and guitar, Malloy on main vocals and percussion and Ray Artis on bass, with the three other members contributing their vocal talents as well.\nThe first track sounds reminiscent of a Barenaked Ladies song with a lot more soul. "Looking For a Place to Land" rocks out in the chorus, with the harmonies of the four singers blending into a quality mix of rock and pop.\n"Keeps Me Comin' (Addiction)" has the band comparing a love for a woman to a drug addiction. A string orchestra in the background give this song a lovely undertone, over which the strums of electric guitar can be heard adding flavor to the song.\nThe album's third track "I'd Be A Fool" takes a R&B ballad in the style of Boys II Men and twists it into something new, adding a gospel feel to the chorus. The men work their magic once again with the harmonies. "Don't Give Up On Me" slows things down again in the beginning before getting louder and harder in the chorus.\n"So Good For You" starts out sounding like a less squealy Michael Jackson but thickens out into something better. The guitar and percussion make it impossible NOT to groove along with the band. The band's vocals really stand out in "Lonely Days" because all of the instrumentals are turned down a notch, allowing the sound to flow loud and clear. The guitar and percussion highlight the band's smooth tone.\nA sweet and slow male solo at the beginning of "Release Me" eases listeners into this ballad. Strings and harmony make this piece a true stand out. "Look at Me Now" sounds like it came off an album of un-released "Rent" songs. The hard rock sound at times muffles the vocals on this track, almost making the band the background. "Getaway Car" starts out with an awesome verse in acapella, and "Let Me Have It" and "My Song" bring the album to a nice close. \nThese talented, singer-songwriters are a treat to listen to. Having toured with Eric Clapton and Celine Dion among others, I only hope this group gets the spotlight it so deserves.\n

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