by John D. Luerssen

Lo-Pro formulates an expansive and powerful sound on its self-titled debut by fusing the appeal of million-selling groups like Puddle of Mudd and Staind. Signed by the latter to their 413 imprint, and consisting of Ultraspank, Godsmack, and Snot veterans, the band's experience shows on this Don Gilmore-produced set. Neil Godfrey and Pete Ricci's crunchy guitar lines lay the groundwork for Pete Murray's swooning choruses on the airwave-ready "Fuel" and the forceful "Not Me." Though the quintet gets a bit formulaic on the brutish and anonymous "1Day," its able musicianship, coupled with Murray's phenomenal range -- which rivals Filter's Richard Patrick and is most impressive on the near-ballad "Reach" --nevertheless scores Lo-Pro high marks.