This Matt Serletic produced album from 1997 still feels like a very pleasant listening. Serletic who did a very, VERY good work on the Matchbox 20 debut album also gave this Los Angeles band a quite similar sound to the former "Tabitahs secret" group. The only difference between those groups is that Matchbox 20 had a couple hit singles and did a more consistent album. But Cool for august delivers in the beginning of this album some real killers that easily could have been on the "Yourself or someone like you" album. The opener "I dont wanna be here" is a great rocker like a 15% edgier version of The Gufs. Another highlight is the second one "Hope Im wrong" which has a super melodic and hi-energy chorus that many songwriters would have been proud to have written. In the middle of the album the level lacks a little bit compared to the beginning. But then in the end on song number nine they get revenge with the very nice modern rocker "Sylmar" that sounds a lot like todays talents Greenwheel. Overall we have a very nice album that should be in any Matchbox 20 or The Gufs fans collection. I know that they have this album on sale on www.secondspin.com for 0.99$ which feels like a big joke. Its not a "real" classic one, but it feels like one of those albums thats just didnt make it of any reason. A sure check-up for those who doesnt have it!
