Bonus Tracks

STEAMROLLER

(Redwood) If you ever need to borrow a Soulhat record, Steamroller's the source -- clearly they've got several to spare. But to their credit, Steamroller's songwriting shows a surprisingly mature knack for lazy grooves and jangly guitar dynamics. And although the pacing and phrasing may scream Soulhat, it's the band's reliance on spare arrangements that makes Steamroller something more rewarding than a live souvenir of Black Cat jam doldrums. -- Andy Langer

THE INTENTIONS Gosh, and they seem like such nice guys, too. Sadly, we all know just how far that gets you in this business. The lead singer's all-American growl is about all that highlights this mediocre, middle-American rock & roll outta San Antonio. To be fair, there may be a salvageable Cheap Trick moment or two here, so the ear of a hip producer might help these boys with their somewhat hackneyed arrangements and guitar parts. Then again, who said life was fair? -- Mindy LaBernz

GLOSSO BABEL

Life in the Flight Path An ambitious and effective effort at mating a very solid band with spoken word. Cutaia's readings are heavily emotive and not overwhelmed by veteran musicians like Mark Wilson on sax and flute. While some material lacks dramatic punch, "Tell the Truth," about police interrogation, is nicely done, and "Suit Piece" makes wearing such as appealing as prostate cancer. ACTV features a video of the band's Don't Tread on Me. -- Stephen McGuire

PAPAYA

Enzyme Any engineer worth his soundboard will tell you the best way to cover up suspect songwriting is to bathe it in a wash of effects. Enzyme is so studio-heavy it's doubtful the live incarnation sounds anything like the tape, which, in this case, is not necessarily a bad thing. -- Chris Gray