Candlebox

"Happy Pills"

(Maverick/Warner Bros)

-Michael Sackler-Berner

In "Happy Pills," Candlebox's latest effort, the band manages to mix their earlier alternative edge with a new, mellower, acoustic undertone. As you listen to the opening track, "10,000 Horses," one can hear that Kevin Martin, lead singer, still possesses the same penetrating scream that he flaunted only a few years ago. The slide guitar, which is exhibited in newer-generation songs such as "Blinders," adds an intriguing element to their post-Seattle grunge sound.

With the exception only a few tracks, this album seems to show the bands evolution and assimilation to the popular music of the present. They seem to be quite aware of the fact that grunge is dying fast, so instead of changing styles completely, they simply add modern elements to their original sound.

"Happy Pills" is a definate buy for any Candlebox fan, and a must have for anyone that can appreciate music.

RATING: 8