I love the title of Porter Hall's debut. The ten months signify the stretch of time (October 1998-July 1999) it took for these eight highly emotional songs to germinate, and it shows the young band's philosophy toward their music and art. In the same way as Bruce Springsteen, the band aims to document each chapter of their life in their music. Right now, they seem to be placing greater concentration on the dramas between man and woman, friend and friend, kiss and near-kiss. While it makes for a humorless record with none of that Kids-In-The-Hall sass, these Canadians are nothing if not energetic, with each of their eight offerings charging forward in a way that has you imagine them, in concert, always jumping around frantically on stage.

Among my favorites are the wildly melodic "Drop the Baggage", which could easily become a hit song (in Canada, not the US) as well as a popular drinking song (everywhere), and "Hit or Miss", which follows the baggage song and delivers a similar liquor-sharp punch. Each helps to end Ten Month Soundtrack on such an adrenaline rush, and does a great job at transporting the listener into these guys' shoes. If you want to feel the love of your life walking away with everything but your angst, definitely step outside into Porter Hall.

One only hopes they continue their quest for honest, heartfelt songs in the next ten months and that, should happiness and success rightly come and smother them soon, they realize smiles and laughter have a place in their future music too. Joy and contentedness -- when their lives are going good -- is something which Bruce Springsteen ("Better Days") and Graham Parker ("Life Gets Better") have conveyed beautifully in their music. I dearly hope that if this CD wins them the fans they deserve, Porter Hall never forget what Springsteen and their forefathers have proven. May it keep them making music that's honest, smart and always in tune with their real selves.