CD review: The Innocent (EP)

November 6, 11:42 PMChicago Rock Music ExaminerFrank Krolicki

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Do you ever get the feeling that a new song you're listening to sounds so great that it must be a cover of some old hit single, only to find out it's completely original? That's the feeling I got more than once when playing the debut EP from The Innocent, a.k.a Chicago singer-songwriter Michael Hardey.

In other words, Hardey and his band have a very good thing going on that you should know about.

Don't be fooled by the disc's noirish cover art. The Innocent play a very accessible blend of folk rock, pop and college rock that wouldn't feel out of place on a mix CD that includes the likes of Paul Westerberg, The Wallflowers, R.E.M. and Michael Penn.

The two strongest tracks - "Beautiful Lie" and "The West Coast" - kick off the disc. If you're a fan of melodic, intelligent pop with choruses that ingrain themselves into your mind after a single listen, you won't find much these days that's better than this.

The quieter moments, such as "Don't You" and "Tied Down," are less immediate, but still well-written, well-played tracks that warrant repeat listens.

Add excellent production to all of this and you have a rock solid debut from an artist who, with any luck, we'll soon hear much more from.

Check out The Innocent live on November 21 at The Underground Lounge and December 3 at Double Door.