Pretendo starts out their self-titled CD with a kind of President of the US groove. The CD is made up of very catchy, quirky, pop-oriented rock songs. The bass and guitar riffs have an alternate rock sound, with some good harder feel that might remind you of Smash Mouth.
Devon Levins and John Castro both have a progressive rock background, but they shed that style for this straight-ahead rock outing. Pretendo lacks much originality and neither Levins nor Castro have dominating vocals. The bass playing of Castro works really well with the drumming of Stephen Calhoon, but this rhythm section can't overcome the bland song writing of Pretendo.
This is a trio of musicians having fun while playing and recording. And that feeling is evident in the music. If you are looking for something in the early Dada or Mysteries of Life vein, this would fit in, although with inferior vocals. But if you are looking for anything challenging, either musically or lyrically, you might want to pass Pretendo by.
Track Listing
1) mc Hot Chef (4:04)
2) Samurai Sessions (2:46)
3) The Scorpions (4:30)
4) Never Trust A Waitress (4:47)
5) Harbor (3:35)
6) 8 Painters Green (5:34)
7) Cherry Tomatoes (4:28)
8) Young Ones (5:21)
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