Album Notes

Xploya

"Just A Dream"

Independent recordings often contain similar flaws: uneven vocals, heavy instrumentation, over production.

After listening to "Just A Dream," it's hard to reconcile that Xploya's first full-length studio CD was actually recorded in a basement.

The debut from the Goshen-based rock band has none of those distractions, allowing the music to stand on its own.

Perhaps it's the magic of Trey Gray, the veteran tour drummer turned fledgling producer, but musicians Rob Hepler (guitar), Mike Kyle (keyboards) and Neil Kyle (drums) move nimbly from emo to arena rock (imagine a combination of P.O.D., Hoobastank and Coldplay).

The addition of singer Josh Jacobs has only helped this sound. Jacobs' voice is more melodic than that of Derek Boomer, who left Xploya in February. The result blends piercing guitar riffs with a spiritual center, which even allows heavier tracks "Fall On Me" and "Nails" to possess a sneaky sort of power.

But it's quiet moments that Xploya uses to cool effect on ballads "Waiting" and "Acceptable" -- the best of the 12 tracks.

While not all songs have as much impact, Xploya's unabashed message is never lost as this independent recording manages to navigate all the potential pitfalls.