The Fallout

A band that will definitely stand out among the newcomers in the Class of 2001, Default is something rare - a straight-ahead, riff-driven rock band. Default 's debut album, 'The Fallout' is a hearty, fist-in-the-air rock and roll anthem record destined to ride the airwaves of radio stations everywhere. With crisp, tight production from Rick Parasher (Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains) and Chad Kroeger (lead vocalist of Nickelback), The Fallout is set to rise far above a rock scene soiled with pimp posturing and emotional vacancy. From TVT Records.

Just as Korn spawned a plethora of like-minded brethren, the hit-making Canadian band Nickelback has produced their own offspring, which includes this talented Vancouver-based quartet. Nickelback's Chad Kroeger produced and cowrote many of the songs on this 11-song collection of tame if memorable and emotional midtempo rockers. "Wasting My Time" is at once familiar and soaring, as vocalist Dallas Smith, jangly guitars, and gentle melodies mesh to make this a poignant relationship song for fans who like their rock accessible but with an edge. Cooler and rawer are the forceful "Seize the Day," and the Pearl Jam-like "Slow Me Down." "Sick & Tired," too, has a musical tone that suits the angry lyrical perspective. --Katherine Turman