By Way of Introduction is the debut release from Berkley, CA natives The American Scene, and it is a debut of confidence and determination. The group seems utterly sure of themselves as they build strong and radiant compositions. They are of the indie-pop-rock persuasion and trying to find some originality in the genre. While the album does have a bit of a cookie-cutter vibe, there is a strong sense of maturity and thought — these musicians did not simply slap things together, and it shows.

With punchy guitar chords, pulsating drum beats, and melodic vocals, the quintet creates an edgy atmosphere brimming with the emotions of youth. Tracks like “Did Ya Hear About Your Friends In California?” and “Marty McFly, Nostradamus and I” weave imaginative tales of hope and the promise of what is to come. The lyricism is sometimes far too abundant but the messages and emotions are always clear.

By Way of Introduction is another take on a genre that has spewed forth many bands in the last decade — an attempt at taking something textbook and making it original. The American Scene is sometimes successful with this and sometimes not. They have their heads in the right place, though, at times, the genre’s age-old formulas prove to be too much to resist.

(Pure Noise Records, no address provided)