**1/2 Rustic Overtones

LONG DIVISION and MY DIRT

(Ripchord)

Rustic Overtones object to the limiting tag of "ska band," and rightly so. Although the three-man horn section lay the melodic foundation and bring the verve to most cuts, their sound (and the band's, for that matter) is predominantly funk and rock, with only occasional hints of jazz and ska. The guitars, drums, and keyboards contribute equally to the interweaving elements of tone and rhythm, creating an enjoyable harmonic blend. But it's proficient songwriting as well as their instrumentation that colors their sonic landscape, which you can hear to best advantage in "Spindrive 185" and "Dig." Rustic Overtones are not afraid to jam, either; they affirm their focus on playing with at least one solo from every member.

With its members averaging just 21 years of age, and possessing a pocketful of energy, this group seem poised on the verge of success. But their youth is evident in their lack of precision. Sometimes they get overwhelmed by their own complexity, so that the tunes aren't as tight as they should be. And lead singer Dave Gutter doesn't shout nearly as well as he sings; he trades intonation for volume on "Feel" and "My Dirt." Still, give Rustic Overtones some additional honing and they should find success.

-- Y. Ryan Gonen