The art of chill

There's a new Jack Johnson tune called "Free" making its way to a radio station near you, only it's not Jack Johnson (regardless of what your ears would have you believe) but rather his friend, surfing buddy and musical progeny, Donavon Frankenreiter.\nReleased on Johnson's own record label with production courtesy of Jack and Beastie Boys collaborator Mario Caldato Jr., Frankenreiter's self-titled debut finds him riding the fence between listless and lethargic. Every track has the same warm and fuzzy feeling of his mentor's "Flake" and "Bubble Toes," but possesses little, if any, of Johnson's quirky lyrical prowess.\nThat being said, Frankenreiter is a mostly enjoyable record with barely any artistic pretension to get hung up on. It's obvious that Donavon's songs were written with the beach and the Bud in mind, and as a whole, the album resonates with a calming sense of unhurriedness.\nFans of Jack Johnson and his ilk will have no trouble warming up to Frankenreiter's safe, comfortable songs about love and life, though, many overcritical listeners may be left feeling a bit empty after these 37 minutes. Regardless, if chilling is your aim, Frankenreiter's your game.