File Under: Modern Rock rating: C+ tracks 1. Sensitive Skin 2. Apologize 3. Can't Get Away 4. Embarrassing 5. You Decide (Acoustic) related links 7th Standard Immortal Records

With only five tracks, Fire From the Sky is an alternative appetizer platter from 7th Standard. And please note: this dish is best served LOUD.

Though nothing in these five songs is particularly spectacular, nothing disappoints. "Sensitive Skin" is a fun, running start with heavy guitars and ballad vocals. "Apologize" is equally as heavy, and it's only in "Can't Get Away" when the vocal work isn't drowned completely by the strings. Don't be fooled by the title, "Embarrassing" is a well put-together song, with a nice hook and catchy chorus. Ah, so "alternative."

We find that "You Decide (Acoustic)" is also bit of a misnomer, as the track does not allow you to decide if you prefer the electric or acoustic version. Misleading, to say the least. But it's a mellow track that has the singer "…trying not to breath" over, and over again. A sad song, but uplifting - because it eventually ends. "How long will you wait until you decide?" Not long. Done. Wait, what is this? An odd beat and Stone Roses-esque backward track at the five-minute mark of the last song? A hidden treat or a surprise disappointment? Definitely a treat. With its sucking guitars and swirling, distorted effects, this unnamed track is the best cut on the album. In fact, skip the first four, fast forward through the acoustics and on to this semi-experimental-ness. Experiment-ness. Now that's alternative.

7th Standard is plain alternative rock that you can bob your head to. If that is your bag, if your audio blinders only filter in genre-A, if you cross the days off the calendar in preparation for the next Something Corporate, then you'll want to pick up 7th Standard. If not, burn the last track off a friend and move on. There's too much good music out there to get bogged down with the mundane.

Eric Myers is a Contributing Writer. Contact him at eric@rockzone.com.