** Black Rose Garden

BLACK ROSE GARDEN

(Head Strong)

When Black Rose Garden forget about trying to be a big, important rock band with big, important things to say, they can be a rather engaging listen. Unfortunately, on their eponymous release, they too often fall into the trap of tendentiousness. "Drunk In My Father's House" is a tired attack on the tired subject of religious hypocrisy. Both "Whatever's Left," with its "Now is not the time for us to bow our heads/Children heed the warning of the living and the dead" refrain, and "A Woman's Face" attempt to be far more profound than they are.

When their thematic concerns don't get in the way, though, Black Rose Garden are capable of good wall-of-sound pop tunes. David Jahn and Kurt Stephens form a solid two-guitar attack, capable of soaring leads. This is particularly noticeable on songs like "Give You Gifts" and the Eve's Plum-styled "Not Unlike You." Elisa Kramer's congas add spark, too, especially on "Belief." And vocalist Rose Elliott powers the music with a hefty alto. Too bad they can't put the arty self-importance aside.

-- Kevin Finn