Wideband Network- Ten Thousand Seconds

Wideband Network's blend of synthesizers and alternative pop should please fans not only of electronic music, but also the sort of heartfelt teen angst and romance of groups like Death Cab For Cutie. Although songs like "30,000 Miles" or this title track "Ten Thousand Seconds" might veer a bit too close to boy band territory for more jaded listeners, it's hard to find fault with such well-executed vocal harmonies. It is significantly easier, however, to find fault with the group's over-reliance on modern disco vocal processing; it was irritating on Cher's "Believe," and it's just as irritating on "Grounded" and "Home Sweet Home." Other than that quibble, however, the production on this album is quite professional, and Wideband Network's incorporation of guitars offers more sonic variety than we've come to expect from synthpop. The understated acoustic strums on "Armageddon" and the rock 'n' roll solo on "95" are particularly well done. For more of a pure dance vibe, the group also brings house influences into the mix on the piano-laced "Without You," and the hip-hop crossover of "Metamorphosis," featuring a guest rap provided by Kan-trell, offers an unexpected excursion into urban funk that's far less at odds with the rest of the album's alternative synthpop vibe than you might expect. Fans of modern synthpop with sensitive, boyish singers in the vein of The Postal Service should find plenty to enjoy here, and Wideband Network's willingness to find their own sound is a nice change from the usual slavish imitations of British '80s acts.

Visit Wideband Network at www.thewideband.net.