Boy did I blow it. Instead of checking out Epperley the other night at SXSW, I went and stood in line for something quite forgettable. With Sophomore Slump -- this Tulsa, OK band's second release for Triple X -- the grunge and "Nirvana-like" comparisons must simply be tossed out the door. Hefty doses of catchy songwriting, geeky organ and amusing lyrical topics provide the perfect blend for some comical listening enjoyment. With references to Pavement, Guided by Voices and good ol' Mike D, the opening track, "Crystal," is sure to hook you. The semi-introspective "You're so 1988" makes me contemplate certain time-trapped souls, such as my next door neighbor and his mangy fashion sense. Of course, any good pop album can't go without a sweet romance tune, and the Epperley crew delivers with "She's Like a Marine," which harps on a certain "butch girl," her combat boots and rugged demeanor. It’ll make your heart go pitter-patter! If you're a sucker for hook-ridden albums infested with enough propelling guitar chords to get ya going, but a pleasant balance of things that go "pop!", then make some room in your CD collection for Sophomore Slump.