The Audition's "Champion" not a winner in my book.

The Audition's new album, Champion, is full of dancy pop rock, synths, and repetitive guitar riffs. The band's label, Victory Records, describes "addictive beats" and "memorable guitar licks" - and while I disagree with them on both counts, the CD does have its merits. It's easy on the ears, even if it is a little superficial. The Audition brings to mind bands like Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy, who they have not so coincidentally played with.

Formed in the suburbs of Chicago, the band is composed of vocalist Danny Stevens, Timmy Klepek and Seth Johnson on guitar, Joe Lussa on bass, and Ryan O'Connor on drums. Champion is their second album on the Victory label. According to O'Connor, this time around they "made the rock parts harder, the dance parts 'dancier' and the hooks catchier."

I suggest you listen to their single, "Warm Me Up," and decide what you think about the band for yourself. Then come and tell me what you think, because frankly I'm undecided. I don't hate them, but I don't love them either.

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