Veruca Salt were a band torn between catchy pop hooks and arena rock dreams. Producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crüe) tried to help them realize the "big" sound with mixed success. Now, he's helping former Veruca Salt singer-guitarist Nina Gordon turn away from "big rock" and toward the lush power pop championed by musicians like Aimee Mann. The title track, "Now I Can Die," and "2003" feature stacked harmonies and a carefree gait that recall the melodic renaissance of early-'80s new wave, with the additional bite of modern-day production values. Hammond B-3s, pedal steels, Mellotrons, and Chamberlins add somber texture to "Horses in the City" and "Hold On to Me" without sacrificing the straight-ahead rock feel. Producer Rock adds a bit too much gloss here and there, but in any case Gordon's a power-pop diva in waiting. --Rob O'Connor
