The Imperial Sound

THE IMPERIAL SOUND'S debut album, The New AM, showcases songwriter Frederick Mosher's hook-driven heritage - from Todd Rundgren and Carole King to The Replacements and Elvis Costello - delivering infectious, shimmering songs that celebrate the craft and style of the best pop music. THE NEW AM boasts a who's who of Chicago rock and pop talent. Featured guest vocalists include Kathy Ruestow, Dag Juhlin, Kelly Hogan, Nora O'Connor, Bobby Cornelius, Peter Himmelman and Tyler Brown. NEARLY EVERY SONG on The New AM pushes the hook to the front, frequently by way of the group's brilliant horn section. Horn hooks show up like ninjas swinging in through warehouse windows on songs like "I Feel Strange" and the Costello-ish "Get Along."THE BAND is never afraid to let its Midwestern roots show. An Imperial Sound song is like a semi-polished gem - beautiful, but unpretentious and still a bit rough around the edges. The best of them, like "6 to a Room" and "Daylight," are sophisticated tin structure, yet endearingly straightforward.