Miracle of Modern Living is something very rare for a debut. Confidence Man have a sense of maturity towards their music, as expressed in this release. The opening title track is a fast paced song that edges towards punk, however this does not necessarily set the tone. After Trailer Bride, a track that has an air of genius about it, the album slows down a little. Late album standout Snow Angels is a love song of the highest order, with lyrics and music going together perfectly. The pace is picked up once more with 28 and Very Promising, a track that almost reminds of Rancid. And closing track Everything You Love is a loud, brash hard rock song. Live, this band are a treat. All in all, a superb debut.

Loaded with hard rocking, hook-filled songs (not to mention lyrics that actually say something) the CD is a promising debut and Confidence Man is certainly a band that bears watching.

Music lovers have various triggers that fire when we listen to music that we like. When one of these specific triggers is set off we often have a new favorite listen. Confidence Man's The Miracle of Modern Living set off two of my triggers by the time the third song started to spin, pretty much ensuring a good review. In this case the two triggers were jangly, frenetic guitar and deep, slightly wobbly male vocals like those I first came across when listening to the Smoking Popes. These two triggers fired hard when the third track "Trailer Bride" began to spin. The frantic pace and smart rapid fire vocals had me hitting repeat several times. Many times when I hear rhyming lyrics it's a sign that the lyrics are going to be obvious and simple. That is not the case with Confidence Man. Their rhymed couplets showcase a knowledge of history and intelligent and quirky vocabulary, especially on "Trailer Bride". Even when the lyrics lean a bit too much toward the simple, the delivery and the warble of the vocals give them an added punch. This is not an album that drags. With nine songs filling less than thirty minutes it's short and catchy. I found myself enjoying so many of the songs that I wished several had lasted a minute or two more. James Silver's voice may not appeal to those interested in perfect pitch. But those more impressed with the transfer of emotion via vocals will gladly overlook the occasional flatness when Silver tries to sing too low, or the occasional missed high notes. A listen to the harrowing and heady emotion of "Snow Angels" will definitely turn your head. This release isn't perfect, but to me it was perfectly entrancing. There are several tracks that I'll listen to over and over again. And the album as a whole is one I can spin without skipping any of the tracks. Recommended to those of you who enjoy frantic listens full of emotion and energy.

We were excited when we were privy to snipets. Now having the full on CD, we are that much more excited. Each tune evokes a specific emotion and feel. This is just what our television show is looking for. Great job! We look forward to working with you!