Oh! Gravity. (CD - 2006)

Switchfoot: Jon Foreman (vocals, guitar); Jerome Fontamillas (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Drew Shirley (guitar); Tim Foreman (bass guitar, background vocals); Chad Butler (drums).

Personnel: Sean Watkins, Sara Watkins (vocals); Sidney Cabrera, Kybra Minisee (violin); Keith Tutt II (cello); Mark Feltham (harmonica); Andy Geib (horns); Sarah Mooridian (cowbells).

Audio Mixers: Tim Palmer; John Fields ; Tom Lord-Alge.

Recording information: Big Fish Recording, Encinitas, CA; Signature Sound; Starstruck Studio.

Illustrator: Joshua Marc Levy.

Photographer: Andy Barron.

On its third major-label album, 2006's OH GRAVITY, the San Diego-based alternative-rock ensemble Switchfoot widens its musical scope even further than on previous outings, resulting in its most immediately engaging release. Although the band has never completely pulled away from its Christian roots, the record's themes are not blatantly religious, giving the group a remarkably broad appeal, as best evidenced on the guitar-driven title track, a surging power-pop tune, and "Dirty Second Hands," a bold number awash in Beatles-meets-Led Zep grandiosity. While some fans may continue to search for Switchfoot's CCM connections, most listeners will be too busy rocking to notice. minimize