Martin's Dam - Sky Above (CD)

All Music Guide

After their eponymous project, Bricklin, was signed and released years earlier by AM Records, Scott and Brian Bricklin put together a new group, Martin's Dam, and eventually landed a deal with Sire imprint Hybrid Records. This 1998 debut by the band features song-driven alt-rock that is not dissimilar to that of the Philadelphia quartet's prior outfit. On Sky Above, Scott (vocals) and Brian (guitars) Bricklin are joined by drummer Gary Gold and bassist Mark Gorman. The tuneful, slightly subdued alternative material is extremely well-crafted and quite catchy on standout cuts like the opener, "Fear of Flying," and "Come See Julia." Slick and unassuming, Martin's Dam shows off their solid melodic and harmonic abilities that, while soothing and sometimes emotive, lack enough originality or spark to elevate the group (and this release) above the likes of the Gin Blossoms, the Verve Pipe, the Goo Goo Dolls, or the many other '90s MOR alternative specialists. - Vincent Jeffries, All Music Gui...de Read more Less