Sound: National Product’s debut CD “Luna” on R&M artist records brings bought of radio-ready tunes similar to and in the vein of Lit, Relient K, and elements of the current pop-punk movement sweeping the masses. Slickly produced, “Luna” is a mostly an electric record, with faint acoustic texturing throughout and a few ProTools post-production tricks scattered therein. The vocals soar on the entire release, sometimes in a belt, a scream, or falsetto. The sound is big, yet controlled, with a blanket of power chorded guitar work lays out the foundation for root-note basslines and somewhat repetitive, unimpressive drum tracks. It’s not a new sound, but a solid one. A sound that makes radio play; a sound that incorporates the industry’s favorite combination of so-so instrumental work coupled with catchy hooks and sailing vocal melodies. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: The keystone of the record is no doubt the lyrical content. National Product strains and aches for a lost lover -- they miss, burn, bleed for that ever-present “you” in nearly every track. It’s a gentle tug on “November Night”: “It’s warmer than what I felt within you”, and a scathing cry for attention on the opener “By All Means”: “Reach out! Can you hear me?/They’re sold on our every action/Reach out!” A strong love-meets-angst rock lyric bank encapsulates the release as a whole. Radio friendly yet again, with little profanity and a whole lot of personal feeling prided on loss and love. // 6
Impression: A solid debut CD from a band that will have radio play in no time. Although forgettable in today’s mainstream music scene, “Luna” will have it's fifteen minutes of fame. The boys of National Product will make a cool buck from the popcorn familiarity of their debut and most likely will make quite a splash in the crowded pool of such bands as Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, and such bygones as Good Charlotte and Lit. A slick, repetitively addicting piece from a new group. // 5
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