You have a problem when the artwork on the CD cover is more striking than the tunes on the disc. This is not to imply that I didn't like Prepare the Masses by A Change of Pace. It's solid, if conventional rock. I was just more intrigued by the guitars with wings like fighter jets and the fists in the air that were taller than buildings.

This album races from beginning to end. All of the songs are up tempo, except the last track "Safe and Sound in Phone Lines". And, there are some catchy guitar riffs. Instead of changing things up with slower tempo songs, this album has "White Lines and lipstick" which has a heavier more metal sound to it with a wicked guitar solo in the middle. And, then there is "War in Your Bedroom" which has vocals prominently featured (and again a heavier sound). There is also the poppy "Take Care" which turned out to be infectious.

Lyrically, this album seemed very hopeful, with songs like "Take Care" and "A Song the World Can Sing Out Loud," and I liked that. It also was pretty tied up in relationships and love. I was expecting, with a title like "Prepare the Masses" for something that would be overtly political. Track 2, "How to Rape a Country" offered some of that. For the most part, this album seemed to be about war as a metaphor for love, which is fair enough. It's just not what I expected.

A Change of Pace is from Peoria, Arizona and this is their second album. While it is conventional and does not offer up any tracks that really stuck in my mind these gentlemen are talented musicians and it is worth a listen. This album is sure to be enjoyed by listeners who are already fans, but it's unlikely it will win many new fans. It is solid rock and I do look forward to what this band does in the future. Some of the songs are available to listen to at A Change of Pace's Myspace page and their official website. A Change of Pace is on Immortal Records.