By: David Schultz

At some point during the next fall TV season, The O.C. or some other show of that ilk will prominently feature Big City Rock's earnest "I Believe In You" in a slot that will make the song a hit and propel the band to a new level of mainstream recognition. If that scenario makes you twitter with excitement, then you will find much to enjoy on Big City Rock, the group's self-titled debut album. If that thought makes you cringe and rend your garments, then the album will simply give you a bad case of agita.

An LA band full of transplanted Midwesterners, Big City Rock has created a fine piece of corporate rock: one with little substance beneath its slick veneer. The shallow sentiments expressed over near-generic guitar rock aren't imaginative and seem inoffensive by design. On the opening track, the catchy and somewhat humorous "Sink," Nate Bott - sings of the depths he would go to for a girl, the lowest of which would be to "kiss the feet of businessmen." Such devotion!

Behind keyboardist Frank Staniszewski, Big City Rock gives eighties synth-rock a valiant try, channeling the sound of The Killers on "All Of The Above." On the bouncy "Human," they emulate the slick new wave bands that populated MTV in the mid eighties to great effect. However, their attempt to replicate the genre's detached, mechanical vibe on "Shelter" falls flat.

While there is nothing truly lacking on Big City Rock; there's also nothing captivating. If you happen to miss this album or this band: fear not, there should be more sounding just like them around the bend.