(From the Akron Beacon Journal, 1-25-07, written by Malcolm Abram X)

Elephant in the Living Room

This foursome of youngsters has a long name and a mostly gentle sound.

Guitars jingle and jangle with unusual chords progressions and singer Robert Rossman's soft vocals.

We Speak, an 11-track CD, reveals that these young dudes are still figuring out their sound. Consequently, they are not quite ready for prime time, though they will be competing in the High School Rockoff Finals at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which start at 3 p.m. Saturday. (Rock Hall, One Key Plaza, Cleveland. $12.)

Their not-too-loud indie rock sound is pleasant, and bassist Jon Rieke keeps things moving with a lot of good melodic bass lines under all the relatively fancy chords.

If these guys can keep it together, time and gigs should make them a better band, better songwriters and We Speak will serve as the quaint demo of their humble beginnings.

Check the band out at www.myspace.com/elephantinthelivingroom.