With the ascent of radio-ready bands like Matchbox 20, Train, etc. in the late nineties, MTV News did an interesting segment regarding the rise of a new rock phenomenon. For many such bands, it seems fans could sing along with every word of their omni-present, tuneful hits but often failed to name or even recognize the photo of a single group member.

Most of the songs on Augustana's All the Stars and Boulevards suggest the kind of multi-format friendly, faceless existence tolerated by many of their predecessors. Long on enthusiasm and pop sheen but short on distinguishing characteristics, the album is sure to resonate with those who appreciate a stratospheric hook but ask little else of their rock heroes.

To the band's credit, several songs on the record project a definite confidence and creative spark. Ultimately, the key to Augustana's staying power will lie in their ability to harness this energy and allow it to inspire their future work. Radio single "Boston", despite its ubiquity, prominently features piano and is far more rhythmically/dynamically interesting than the majority of the album. "Stars and Boulevards" features a mix of restraint and zeal from vocalist Dan Layus that shows signs of true yearning. "Sunday Best", the album's highlight, benefits from the most diverse arrangement/orchestration of the album and hints at subtlety seldom seen throughout other tracks.

Unfortunately, the majority of this record is awash in similarity and mediocrity. While there is nothing musically inferior or inherently wrong with the material, a comparison of guitar tracks, tempos and dynamic changes suggest production that is seamless almost to a fault. A willingness to step outside of formulas and embrace the sentiment of the tracks listed previously would have resulted in a vibrant, commanding album.

As is, All the Stars and Boulevards comes across as an effort to share the middle of the musical road with a number of other artists and belies the talent Augustana display in select instances. Fans of the bands mentioned at the outset of this review or current groups like The Fray will enjoy this record. Those looking for inspired originality might want to wait and see what Augustana's next record brings.