Something Corporate
Audioboxer
Drive-Thru

They may be wet behind the ears but they’re wise beyond their years. Something Corporate, a rock quintet of post-high-school Orange County natives, attempt to distance themselves from their pop-punker peers with Audioboxer, their Drive-Thru Records debut.

The Audioboxer EP is an amalgam of guitar-fueled American rock and piano-driven British roll cemented together by extremely effective hooks. The music comes across as a little loose, but thanks to the production wizardry of Jim Wirt, the boys’ talent shines through.

Something Corporate play their ace early with "Hurricane," ironically the only song not written by singer/pianist Andrew McMahon. The track sounds like a Counting Crows tribute but rocks like its meteorological namesake and features a wicked emo chorus over a cascade of keys.

The band falls dangerously short with their single "iF U C Jordan" (read between the letters for the "hidden" message). This lyrical stink bomb about a bully comes beautifully wrapped in Ben Folds paisley, so beware of steamers like, "Then you drove home real quick/did you make it home in time to masturbate?"

Despite its shortcomings, Audioboxer shows potential for growth. Look no further than final cut "Walking By," a piano-heavy super-ballad bolstered by a string ensemble. This rainy day closer presents McMahon at his creative best and offers a glimpse into the bright future of Something Corporate.

Grade: B- – Chris Martins