Catch 22 is a punk, ska, and hardcore outfit from New Jersey. This is the band's third release for Victory Records. Note to metalheads: This album is fairly mellow, but remember, you can't listen to heavy stuff all the time!

Alone In A Crowd is an energetic album. What else would you expect from a ska/punk band? Catch 22 has all the elements you'd expect: the busy horn section, the rambling bass, the standard clean/dirty punk guitar action, and the friendly group choruses. Vocalist Jeff Davidson employs a wide variety of styles, all perfectly suited for this type of music. He sings, raps, and yells with ease and in general, he's easy to digest. The band is composed of competent musicians, especially guitarist Pat Calpin, who's diverse chops give the music some bounce. Many of the songs on this album have a pop feel to them, and almost all of them are super catchy. Judging from this album and the band's affinity for quick tempo changes and funky breakdowns, the band probably puts on quite an exciting live show. Highlights include "Point The Blame", "Arm To Arm", "San Francisco Payphone", and "Guilty Pleasures". The heaviest song on here is the brief "Hard To Impress", which appropriately features guest vocals from Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed. The album also includes a spirited cover of the Beach Boys' "Wreck of the Sloop John B".

Bottom Line: Some of you won't like this album. Some of you will. If you need something to play when your girlfiend's around and Slayer scares her, then this might be appropriate. Catch 22 is definitely at the top of the ska/punk music genre. And while it isn't astounding and probably won't win the "most innovative album of the year" award, Alone In A Crowd is easy on the ears and shouldn't irritate anyone. We were humming after just one listen.