Sunburn [Bonus Tracks]

Fuel: Brett Scallions (vocals, guitar); Carl Bell (guitar, background vocals); Jeff Abercrombie (bass); Kevin Miller (drums).
Recorded at Long View Farms, North Brookfield, Massachusetts.
Fuel's sound is an interesting amalgam of '90s rock styles. Within the space of one song (as on "Untitled") they move from the clamor of thrashing, hardcore guitar riffs to melodic, accessible chorus to lyrical, sweeping instrumental passage. Their outlook is far from a sunny one, as evinced by the aforementioned cut, as well as such tunes as "It's Come To This" and the title track. For all their Big Rock angst and sonic terrorism, though, they never lose sight of the pop verities; a catchy chorus and a more-or-less hummable melody. SUNBURN should fare well among those who like a little edge to their alt-rock and those who like their headbanging leavened by a pinch of sugar.