by Nancy Stevens

What are words to describe a Catch 22? Perhaps to an older crowd, it would be considered a novel by Joseph Heller. Perhaps to a young crowd, it would be a phrase in the Green Day song, "Walking Contradiction". To ska music fans, it's a phenomenal band from New Jersey known for their past release, Keasbey Nights out on Victory Records.

After many band changes, a heavy recording schedule, and a full length tour across the country, this 7 member band is back with a brand new album release due out in stores October 10th. The album is called Alone in a Crowd and is by far a masterpiece. This is the beat-catching, fast-talking, toe-tapping music that definitely grabs attention. Jeff Davidson (vocals), Kevin Gunther (trumpet/vocals), Chris Greer (drums), Pat Calpin (guitar), Pat Kays (bass), Ryan Eldred (sax/vocals), and Mike Soprano (trombone) [what a mouthful] all make up Catch 22 to make the unique, young sound.

Although Alone in a Crowd turns out to be an overall excellent album, there were some outstanding tracks. "Point the Blame", "It Takes Some Time", "What Goes Around Comes Around", "Hard To Impress" (also appearing on the previous EP Washed Up), and "Wreck of the Sloop John B" are just a few songs I found undoubtedly pleasing.

If you like bands like Edna's Goldfish, the RX Bandits, Reel Big Fish, or Less Than Jake, I highly recommend Alone in a Crowd. On a scale of 1 to 10, it deserves a 9 1/2. And if you haven't caught Catch 22's earlier releases, check out Keasbey Nights and Washed Up!.