Out of the budding musical scene of Florida, blooms the also burgeoning Denison Marrs. The group released one album before their astonishing independent World Renowned For Romance and are now on the edge of major mainstream successes. With three labels backing them up and more punch to their sound, they are poised to take over rock and roll.

With their sophomore effort, Denison Marrs changed many a musical life with an indie prowess akin to Radiohead or The Cure. Now it seems that their business partnership with the huge Warner Brothers have made them strive to be a little more accessible; a little more rock, and a little more radio friendly. Tracks such as "This Is All The Time," "You Feel Like," and "Rescue Mission " bring pure broadcasting gems while "What Life Has," "The Real Ones," and "Pow!" fall a bit short on that communication landmine. In the slower category, DM reigns supreme, as always. "This Must Be Love," "Ps148," and "Keeping It Cool" do wonders, pulling at a little piece of the heart.

Denison Marrs has crafted their radio rock sensibilities since the last time they were heard from. It's not perfect, but there definitely are glimpses of faultlessness. Lyrically, lead vocalist Eric Collins knows how to keep things between too much and too little, being almost too perfect. "World Renown For Romance" was an altogether great record, but the hard hitters were hard to find while "Then Is The New Now" embarks on rock and roll hit and miss. If they perfect the rock and keep up with their past romancing distinction, look out, because Denison Marrs will be the new now for quite some time.

- Review date: 1/10/03, written by Blake Garris