Sometimes it’s difficult to find the line between pop and rock, but wherever that line is, The Stryder and their first album proudly have a foot on each side. From the opening chords of 'Sucker' to the closing of the obligatory rock ballad, 'Got You Last', this Long Island band falls under the category: "Less Brittany, More Rock like this."
The first two songs on the CD build to the pop anthem, '11:11' which unconsciously found my girlfriend and I bouncing around the living room.  The band sounds tight and I can’t wait to see if they live up to it in concert.  This tightness is in no place more apparent than 'Sexy Black Train', an ode to Long Island angst: "I’m just a boy being a boy. I want the world. I was afraid."
If there is one negative to 'Masquerade in the Key of Crime' it is the songwriting that on the surface seems, well, superficial. The vocals of lead singer John Johansen and the guitar of Peter Toh combine to power through the songs, giving them a lean, heart-felt and honest feel which helps to gloss over any shortcomings in this very promising debut album.
Regardless of any cracks in the lyrics, this CD has spent a lot time in my stereo, especially on 'New York Woman' a popped out mix sounding like the best of Soul Asylum and Blink 182. It takes a special song for my jaded self to pick up the air guitar again, but this is one of those songs. I am the three-chord master of my living room.
I give big thumbs up to The Stryder and their first effort. Check this group out and then tune up the air guitar, you are going to need it.

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