With a bankable blend of inoffensive emo powerchords and expansive stadium rock, San Francisco’s Gratitude represent the model of modern American MOR.  Formed from the ashes of the bands Far and Crumb, their self-titled debut is the sound of former independent rockers making an all out bid for mainstream popularity.  You wouldn’t bet against them succeeding either.

Despite question marks hanging over the originality of the band’s sound, the bare bones of the songwriting here is strong.  At their rockiest, on tracks such as 'This Is The Part', they pull of catchy, muscular rock for moshpit kids.  Jimmy Eat World are a clear parallel, though whether they could quite match that bands impressive melodic clout is unlikely.  At their sappiest (see 'The Greatest Wonder' and 'If Ever') they speak the universal language of the Big Ballad, nestling up cosily against U2’s sensitive side, a thought that will send you running to the hills or the shops depending on your perspective. 

Frontman Jonah Matranga’s vocal performance is difficult to criticise.  His agile voice squeezes itself through high and low, shouty and subtle over the course of twelve songs.  The band are similarly efficient, though they rarely embellish their musicianship beyond necessity.  This is one of the lessons, you feel, they have learned from their days in their former bands.

If the phrase “career rock” brings you out in a rash and sends you foaming at the mouth then look away now.  This is polished, professional rock music, which, while lacking any real balls, is in possession of some good tunes and delivered with a genuine, unpretentious attitude.  For these reasons Gigwise finds it hard to dislike.  And maybe, if you’re an ageing rock kid who finds that the Lost Prophets record no longer match your Mondeo-driving lifestyle ambitions, Gratitude might just be your album of the year.