Under Museum Quality Glass

Sounds like … another melodic pop/rock band, drawing on the same classic inspirations as Fountains of Wayne, Mae, and HollandAt a glance … it's not that Pivitplex is a bad band, but their music offers no compelling reason to go out of your way for itTrack ListingSome Will FallGroundedYou KnowCash It InOvershakenRosetta StoneFeeling FearNothing Without YouYou and MeClarityLullaby

It's not often that we get a band from the "Treasure State" of Montana. Lead singer/guitarist Scott Brownson and lead guitarist Eddie Frank began playing together at Clydehurst Christian Ranch, which you've seen if you've ever watched the film A River Runs Through It. After adding drummer Scott Wilber and bassist Josh Ogle in 1999 to form Pivitplex, they developed a following and signed with BEC Recordings to release their debut, Under Museum Quality Glass.

I don't want to suggest that Pivitplex is a bad band—they occasionally suggest the sugary sounds of the Beach Boys with modern pop/rock sensibilities, similar at times to Fountains of Wayne or Phantom Planet. And it's not that there aren't messages of faith to be found here either. The encouraging "Grounded" reminds us that the trials and pains of earthly life are a temporary chapter towards heavenly paradise. Radio single "You Know" hints at the remedy for loneliness and sadness, "Overshaken" outlines the struggle between sin and purity, and "Lullaby" is as forthright as can be in offering bedtime prayers.

Unfortunately, there's nothing sadder to me than forgettable melodic rock—lacking in creativity, exciting edge, memorable hooks, and therefore a compelling reason to check the album out. Some will enjoy Pivitplex for their accessible melodic pop/rock, but most will find it too insipid sounding next to newbies like Seven Places, Holland, Mae, Watashi Wa, and Anberlin.