Remember the 90's female-fronted-ska-band era? So does Hey Tiger (minus the horns and bad suits). Just like bands of that period, it's either a hit or a total miss. Oddly, Hey Tiger has achieved both ends. September starts off with the pseudo-rock "I Don't Mind" in which female front Christina Alessi shows off her vocal strength. But little else shines through; guitars, drums, and lyrics are completely textbook. In fact, if it wasn't for Alessi's voice the song would just be average. "Fate" takes a catchier step towards good music. The band is still Exhibit-A for "How to be a Rock Band", but there's not necessarily anything wrong with that. There's just not very much right with it either. With "Ring" Hey Tiger reaches the standard slow song that always follows two harder ones, but by this point the disk hasn't really satisfied the listener enough to slow down. However, the mix of drums and electric guitar prove likable.

"Where I've Been" deserves repeating because of the addictive electric guitar, and Hey Tiger should have started the CD out with this track. In fact, just fast forward to this track every time, it's where the originality begins. "Simply" is a little too slow, however some of the best lyrics appears here ("so you took my hand and distributed it evenly…keeping negativity and any enemies out of our way"). Lyrically and musically intriguing, Elizabeth finally shows some variety. By far the best cut on the album; Hey Tiger seems to wait until the middle of September to illustrate their potential. Ever listen to a CD and think, "why is this song even on here?" That would be the first part of September; the second half fares much, much better. The "Friend" piano solo encourages arm and shoulder movement, and it's surprising that the band waits this long to effectively use the instrument. A sad and sweet (but not too sweet) ballad, "Overdrawn" is the perfect song to end on. The vocals match the model rock tune to a T, and Hey Tiger finishes by transcending "textbook" and accomplishing "classic".

It's virtually impossible to turn off September due to Alessi's sultry vocals; still the music could be superior and, according to the latter part of September, the band is obviously aware of this. It's confusing as to why the first few songs are the first few songs, however if you ever enjoyed Letters to Cleo (or Kay Hanley) or Save Ferris, Hey Tiger's September is a big hit.

Hey Tiger - September

Label:Indie

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