With a couple of indie releases and a debut on Floodgate Records under their collective belt, Denison Marrs returns with a self-titled sophomore effort that is not much different from previous ventures, but relies more heavily on an indie rock edge.

While This Is the New Now had more of a layered, emotional feel, Denison Marrs' latest is much edgier and stripped down. It is the kind of music you would expect to hear from a coffee house band, except more rock-driven. Definitely original and done very well, but after ten tracks, it seems to get a bit repetitious. And though each track has its own distinctions, they seem to run together. Eric Collins' signature vocals keep this disc rolling, however. Denison Marrs has always been a group of finely crafted musicians, but Collins' vocals are the backbone of everything this band is.

Lyrically, themes of God are common, as well as a plethora of others. Rarely are issues ever discussed in depth, but that does not keep this from being a well-written disc. The guys have always had a knack for lyrical content, and it really shows on this, their latest release.

Denison Marrs faithfuls will not be disappointed. Perhaps they're a bit taken aback by some apparent changes, but nothing earth-shattering has occurred since This Is the New Now hit the shelves a few years ago. If you are a fan of indie rock and have not yet heard this under-appreciated band, be sure to check them out.

- Review date: 11/29/04, written by Josh Taylor