Review by Doug Cornell

With piles of guitars and loads of energy, Pennsylvania native Adam Richman enters the competitive arena of power pop and punk.  Richman's new album Patience and Science isn't afraid to be raw and loud, but it is always melodic and listenable.  Clever bits of subtle piano provide relief to the often blistering pace, which is NOT recommended for quiet A.M. listening.  This is an album for a loud, happy party or fast morning run.

"What Can Make You Mine" opens the album with a clever piano/vocal melody, then BAM, layered guitars introduce Richman's clear voice as he exclaims, "I'm breaking the wall down, you built it too high."  Alternating tinkling piano and perfectly rhythmic guitars, the song has the feel of early Tommy Keene or Matthew Sweet, who were masters of the genre in their prime.  Richman alternates heaps of guitars with filtered vocals and poppy charm in "Suck it Up," then he switches to an O.C. inspired power-ballad in "Broken Glass."

The melody and instruments are simple in "Mary-Anne," which features a massive chorus that has the potential to propel the song to hit status.   Richman slows the pace a bit in the semi-acoustic track, "From the Pain," creates a guaranteed sing-along song for the girls ("Baby I've Changed"), and shows off some nifty rock guitar chops ("The Loneliness Song").  The pattern of alternating loud guitars with quiet vocal passages is continued in the Weezeresque track "Song 10."

Richman pleads "Don't got to Warsaw, don't leave California" in the albums most accessible track, "Warsaw."  When Patience and Science relies more on melody and talent than production, the album is thoroughly enjoyable.  But when things try to go towards the avant-garde side, as in the crazy guitar melody in "Here Anymore," the album can be slightly tedious.  But this is a minor quibble, as fans of power pop will fully embrace this charming collection of songs.