Soma Holiday

Japanese version featuring a bonus track

Talk about making a good first impression. "Shelter," the leadoff track from Soma Holiday, is a carryover from the blockbuster Spider-Man soundtrack. It's the ultimate score for Missouri newcomers Greenwheel, a meat-and-potatoes American rock band that operates somewhere between Matchbox Twenty and Nickelback. Heavy guitars and easy hooks propel songs like "Strong" and "Dim Halo" into pyrotechnic-shooting arena territory, but the group also has a sensitive side to contend with on more contemplative cuts like "Breathe" and the impressively colossal "Identity." The platinum records are theirs for the taking. --Aidin Vaziri