What do you think of when you hear the word "nerd rock?" Is it a state of mind, a passing trend, or just a bunch of smart people rocking out with good vision? Whatever the case may be, four guys from California, Johnny Come Lately, seem to be doing it just fine. With colorful sweaters, khaki pants, Buddy Holly-esque glasses, and an amp turned way up, this is Autumn and it is JCL's latest 5-song EP.

"God of Man" starts things off and stamps out exactly where this band is headed stating that they just can't see how the Almighty Lord could have them in His plans. With vocal resemblances to Dave Baysinger of Bleach and a little Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, this is a great start. "Beautiful To Me" has an amazing crazy guitar riff that brings the toe-tapping to full force while "Are You Ready" slows things down a tad but keeps up with the catchy choruses of before. "How Far," the highlight of the five songs puts a little falsetto into the mix that is even catchier than all the rest as "Do I Get My Point Across" ends this fine little ditty with some acoustic guitar pointing out a debt of gratitude to God.

With only five songs, I yearn for much more. Any fan of Weezer will eat this CD up. It is as catchy as I can put into words. With a good label to call home and a little more green to sit on in the studio, these guys will prevail in the pop/ rock scene. This is an EP for Autumn as well as everything after.

- Review date: 1/19/02, written by Blake Garris