Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Out of Visible School, a Christian music school in Memphis, established by former Skillet guitarist Ken Steorts comes The American Radio. The band initially formed as a school project but gelled together so well that they continued to gig and recorded this debut EP. Produced by Steorts and fellow school faculty member Kerry Kernan, this isn't nearly as clinical as I'm describing! Mainly built around the songwriting of singer Aaron Stanley, the overall feel of the EP is that this is well produced and there are flashes of emotion that seep through the layers of guitar sound and stark lyrical imagery. Although songs like the ferocious opener "Need To Want You" and the jangly "Burn The Ceiling Down" are all competently written and played, the EP fails to truly connect emotionally and ironically lacks a couple of memorable, truly radio friendly songs that would help the band get wider exposure. A good debut but still there's work to be done to make this band great.

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