Plain Jane

By no means is Plain Jane's debut album, So Much For Anything, to be referred to as plain. This four-member band, featuring the strong lead vocals of Craig Moore, creates the perfect mixture of rock and pop and turns it into a collection of 10 passionately written and soulfully sung songs. \nThe Indianapolis-based band features, in addition to Moore, Kevin McPeak on guitar, Sean McPeak on bass and Josh Putnam on drums and piano. Plain Jane's songs tell stories with fresh and creative lyrics. The songs speak of the cliched topics of "love" and "loneliness," without being too melodramatic, making each song stand out. "Primrose Hill" talks of wealth being less than it seems, while "No One To Blame" speaks of regret. "How To Fall," is truly a hypnotic ballad, with the sound of piano blending in with bass and guitar, leading into a story with beautifully crafted lyrics written and sung by Moore. \nThe only track that doesn't make as big an impression is "Supernatural." Starting out with fuzzy radio static, similar to the intro of Fastball's "The Way," and moving into the croon of the bass guitar followed by the energetic burst that is Moore on vocals, the song doesn't have the same feel as the album's other tracks, instead sounding more alternative. \nMoore's voice sounds best on slower-paced rock or pop pieces such as "Every Time I Turn Around," or "Someday." This beautifully put together debut album was recorded and mixed at Azmyth Studios, based in Carmel, Ind. This band looks like a blast to watch live as well, as is evident with a visit to its Web site at www.plainjane-band.com where one can download a video of them rocking in "Primrose Hill." \nPlain Jane sounds similar to Toad The Wet Sprocket and Pearl Jam but the bulk of the package is their own. It's a shame that the album is only 10 tracks long.