It's no wonder Blind Melon masters the sound of true alternative rock (that which thrived through the nineties) on their latest release.

The Melon boys first got together for a four year stint from '91-'95 and saw success on the high sea of rock (culminating in their hit single "No Rain"), but the wave the band was riding receded with the death of lead singer Shannon Hoon in 1995.

After an eleven-year hiatus, the remaining members got back in the studio to begin paying tribute to their fallen captain -- in the form of revamped, re-energized rock.

For My Friends, their first studio album release post-Hoon, features the same mix of mellow instrumentation speckled with clever lines (as heard in For My Friends and Hypnotize ) and upbeat backgrounds masquerading heartfelt words (like Sometimes and Tumblin Down ).

Travis Warren, the new lead vocalist, carries on Hoon's cantankerously gruff sound with aplomb. Overall, Blind Melon now blends the grunge rock of its former self with a more upbeat sound that leans toward Smash Mouth -- pleasing fans that patiently waited for 11 years while inviting a new throng of fresh faces to come take a listen.

Sprightly songs composed of big washes of sound and witty lyrics prove Blind Melon is back, with its sight set on being the next Big Kahuna in alternative rock.

Additional Tracks:
Wishing Well
Down On the Pharmacy