(4 Out of 5)

In a time where social awareness is crucial in adding moral fiber.  Where it seems almost just as important to express our values, as it is to create music that people will be inspired by, in steps Ashbury.  These guys from Las Vegas Nevada, know what it takes to make a lasting impression on their listeners. They've come a long way and have had much success so far with winning a Bon Jovi national contest in 2005 and playing with such artists as Panic at the Disco, Jewel, and Live.   Add in the fact that they actually express their social responsibility through working with groups like The Muscular Dystrophy Association and The Invisible Children Foundation, it makes them even more of an inspiration to kids of all ages. 

Ashbury brings their pop/alternative sound to life over and over again. They are on the brink of releasing their 3rd album, "Let's Make a Scene", of course falling nowhere short of "City Lights" in 2005 or "Complacency" in 2006.  So, how does it sound?  The great thing about Ashbury is diversity, each track illuminates in a different way keeping the listener entertained.  The album kicked off with a vibrant, upbeat Off With the Lights and dove into Let's Make a Scene which erred on the motivational, rebellious side.  At the climax Under your Skin rang in with neatly done falsettos, and the album closed with a song called Figure me Out which added a dash of electronic beats and nicely put the album to rest.

The conclusion? I think Ashbury really has a shot at something big.  They have the honest background and the determination to continue their successes and I look forward to hearing their 4th album a year from now. 

By: Kim Evans - Contributing Writer