EVEREST

On Approach

[Vapor/WBR]

From the opening snare drum slam of “Let Go,” this second album by L.A.’s Everest finds ensemble playing and melodic hooks taking precedence over flashy soloing. That’s not to say this is merely living-room rock—with its propulsive backbeat and cascading guitars, “Let Go” sounds like a stadium anthem in waiting. Ditto for the hard-rock gestures of “I’ve Had This Feeling Before” and the lush closer, “Catalyst,” on which vocalist Russell Pollard seizes the moment with a cathartic wail that’s reminiscent of a certain single-named Irish rock superstar. Taken as a whole, the overriding aesthetic of On Approach is one in which every instrument serves to add color to a mix rather than seize the spotlight for itself. This is a heartfelt collection of tunes that feel like a golden playlist from ’70s FM radio. Here’s hoping modern-day radio finds a place for it. –Bob Cannon