TONIC
TONIC
(Universal / 429 Records)

Tonic was one of the post-grunge bands to meet with much mainstream success in the late '90s. Their 1997 hit If You Could Only See became a radio mainstay and highlighted the band's knack of crafting hook laden songs coupled with substance. After three albums, the band went on hiatus for a number of years, but on this new outing, their fourth ' and self-titled - they've returned in top form, hitting their stride from the outset. Opener Release Me encapsulates the band's catchy sugary melodies, while the acoustic and jangly guitars of Daffodil serves up more sonic sweets en masse. Elsewhere, the slow burning, piano tinged Nothing Is Everything, the acoustic driven Resolve with its soaring chorus and Torn To Pieces which cleverly recycles a Rage Against The Machine riff, affirms a songwriting (and musical) genius that would make Lennon & McCartney proud.

Key track: I Want It To Be which gently morphs into a stadium-size anthem.

**** 4 stars