Who We Are (CD - 2007)

Additional personnel: Mark Goldenberg (guitar); Eric Gorfain, Daphne Chen (violin); Leah Katz (viola); Richard Dodd (cello); Rocco DeLuca and The Burden (organ); Pat Leonard (keyboards); Jude Cole (background vocals); Stephen Lu.

On its fourth full-length studio album, WHO WE ARE, the Los Angeles-based pop/rock trio Lifehouse stays steady on its adult-alternative course, offering up a guitar-driven post-grunge set that is ready-made for radio play. While this 2007 outing isn't a major departure from past Lifehouse releases, it does rock a little harder than its eponymous predecessor, a point hit home by the brooding opener, "Disarray," and the driving title track. Those worried that the band is going for Nickelback-like heaviness, however, will be appeased by the celebratory lead single, "First Time," and the chiming "Mesmerized," tunes that reinforce frontman Jason Wade's status as a remarkably consistent songsmith. minimize