Former Cell Mates

With Dave Burdon of Leatherface as the front-man, Former Cell Mates offer guitar-heavy rock that’s adeptly played but doesn’t offer much that’s distinct or exciting. The group’s general sound is reminiscent of a more tepid Hot Water Music and a couple of ballads lurk dangerously close to Nickelback terrain. And then there’s the damn cowbell. There’s enough of the instrument layered throughout the disc that you can almost picture Will Ferrell strutting around the studio wearing obscenely tight pants. Sometimes the cowbell is best left in the hands of comedians and not overzealous musicians.