Sound spectrum
Augustana Can't Love Can't Hurt

Epic Records

Lead vocalist Dan Layus writes of running out of luck in "I Still Ain't Over You," of not giving up on love in "Sweet and Low," and of a place of self freedom in "Twenty Years." The music that brings his words to life is performed by Jared, Chris, Justin, and John. Together, they are Augustana, and their album is "Can't Love Can't Hurt."

Augustana's music has an indy rock sound, with choruses that I findmyself singing to. "Hey Now" is one that comes to mind as I listen to it now: "hey we're just bleeding for nothing/it's hard to breathe when/you're standing on your own/we'll kill ourselves to findfreedom/you'll kill yourself/to findanything at all."

I also hear some blues folk influence - most especially in the ballad "Fire." It's a piano-led piece of music with a singer songwriter influence. "Dust" has a similar lead, but it takes on more of a folk/rocky style, similar to the Jayhawks.

From the looks of Augustana's personal style, I initially thought they were Brits - part of the whole Brit-pop scene. But later I read that three of them moved from Illinois to San Diego, where they hooked up with the other two guys who then completed the band. So they are good ol' American boys with a lot to offer musically.

Augustana will be performing live at the Troubadour in LA on June 9, 10, and 11. Then they'll be in San Diego at the House of Blues on June 12 and at the HOB in Anaheim on June 15. Hope to see you there.

The Sound Spectrum has a play copy available for your listening pleasure.