Every year I look for a new band that is so special that listening to its music twice a day is not enough. For the last three years, Count the Stars has been that band, but this year they have been replaced by Edgewater.

We're Not Robots is one of the best releases of the year. Why? Because Edgewater does it all. The solid hard rock is always interesting and thoughtfully arranged, while the Matt Moseman-sung lyrics are intense and authentic.

Edgewater sounds similar to Staind; drummer Jeremy Rees and bassist Ricky Wolking provide a solid rhythm foundation, especially the groove in "Apples & Oranges," while guitarists Micah Creel and Justin Middleton construct interesting riffs. There are not a lot of guitar solos on this release, but this works to the band's credit because these 10 tracks are never about individual players showcasing their talent. Rather, these are ten equal-opportunity hard rock anthems that are compelling in every regard.

On top of all the great songwriting, Moseman sings confessional excerpts and angry rants, specifically about the state of the music industry in "Rock Is Dead," which starts with "I don't give a fuck / I don't give a fuck!" The lyrics are a little better on "Caught In The Moment," where Moseman confesses "I know I'm not supposed to be giving into this" as he struggles with cheating, knowing it's wrong but feeling powerless to stop.

The closing "Digging For Sounds" is mellow, trippy and at first doesn't fit into the whole -- until one listens to the lyrics. Fitting the theme of the album title, Moseman simply sings "We're not robots / We're not programmed / We make choices." The cymbal work of Rees and the guitars of Creel and Middleton sound like the band took a lot of time to craft this song, and it grows after a while, getting better with each listen.

Edgewater should continue to work with Derek Taylor, who previously recorded with Crimeny on Shrapnel Records, and Mitch Lerner. We're Not Robots is the band's sophomore release but is far better than the debut South Of Sideways, using a much more effective mix of hard-rock riffs and dynamic instrumental prowess. Edgewater has a long career ahead of them if they continue to release material that is as powerful, thoughtful, and inspiring as this.

Rating: A

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