Jackson Free Press

Self-titled albums can be mixed bags at times. Some bands step into a studio with the well-intentioned mindset of creating the eponymous CD that perfectly encompasses what the band is like—stylistically and thematically. The problem with this outlook is that it's pretty darn hard to achieve. Over-produced drivel can drown material that the band enjoys in an attempt to make "good" into "gold."

Then you have bands like Nashville-rock revivalists MODOC who see the self-titled record as an introduction to its particular brand of bold-and-buoyant songwriting that revels in rock-classicism without being mired in it. In this way, "MODOC," the album, plays like a "nice to meet you" to new listeners and a high-quality, yet deliciously raw, refresher for previous fans. The record taps into a little Cage the Elephant, a little Kings of Leon, a little Black Keys—but most of all, a whole lot of MODOC.

Combining previously unreleased songs with fan favorites from the "Passive/Aggressive" EP and "Fortune and Fame"—the title track of which appears on the new full-length—"MODOC" works to capture the band's high-energy, jolting live performances. Wherein most contemporary releases feature layers of vocals and effects, MODOC feels comfortable with letting the studio imitate the stage.

Lead guitarist Kyle Addison, bassist Caleb Crockett and drummer John Carlson often use harmonies or group vocals to intensify singer Clint Culberson's organic, grit-to-glass vocals. In allowing the members to perform the same roles that they would during an actual performance, "MODOC" creates a convincing replica of a live recording with all the charm and none of the coarseness.

MODOC also succeeds (most of the time) in one especially challenging area for its genre: providing variety between songs. While obviously not all rock songs sound the same, to pretend that there isn't at least a general formula for most contemporary rock is to ignore a blatant truth. For example, even if the Black Keys is your go-to for the good stuff, you can usually root out a handful of guitar riffs in the band's earlier music, repeated as the duo saw fit. That doesn't make it bad, but it does explain why the Black Keys has so frequently experimented with styles and instruments over the years.

While a select few tracks on "MODOC"—such as "Coward" and "I Want You"—apply this riff-based method of building songs, others, such as the single "Devil on My Shoulder," keep a memorable loop on hand without being chained to it. "Devil on My Shoulder" was even featured on ABC's promo for "666 Park Avenue."

MODOC is an upstart group on the cusp of an expanding musical movement toward neo-classic rock. The band has a live show that easily treads the main stage with some of today's rock greats. While a static recording can only go so far in delivering the members' skills as spirited performers and entertainers, "MODOC" showcases some of the band's best work to date and updates some older tunes, capably encapsulating the titular group's five-years-and-counting stint creating robust, authentic rock 'n' roll.

"MODOC" hit stores Aug. 27. Visit modocmusic.com.