Athenaeum's first major label release "Radiance" met with fairly broad success within the music community, with the single "What I Didn't Know" performing well on the charts. A few years later, the group is back with their self titled effort, "Athenaeum." I bought the album hoping for another "Radiance." What I have found is that like their first ablum, this CD can be listened to straight through. Every song can stand on its own merit, and together they are thoroughly enjoyable. It shows nice growth for the band, which makes me like it as much, if not more, than "Radiance." Mark Kano lays down some stirring lyrics with such conviction that you can't help but get wrapped up in it. Alex McKinney throws out wonderful baselines. "Sweeter Love" is a masterpiece, and shows how the band has grown to incorporate new sounds into their presence. "Suddenly" "Frozen in Time" and "Waiting for You" and "Comfort" flesh out a great sound for the band. Every track has something to say...like a good movie, I find something new every time I listen to it. Very cerebral in that way, but also fun, with melodies that you can sing to and wailing guitars you can jam to. Between records the band lost drummer Nic Brown and guitarist Grey Brewster, but added Remy Vogt (Tonic) and Mike Garrigan (Collapsis) to the lineup. They are going strong and sound as good as ever. If you are a fan of the now defunct, yet extremely popular band Collapsis, then you owe it to yourself to check out this band and this album. If you like what you hear, come check them out, their live shows in North Carolina are awesome! Hopefully they will be able to get on the road in earnest soon to bring "Athenaeum" and "Radiance" to a more national audience that I'm sure would appreciate them! Buy this album! You won't regret it!