Out of Place

It’s probably thanks to the ubiquitous Dave Matthews Band (and various clones) that acoustic rock has won the hearts and minds of college-age music fans everywhere. Fortunately for those of us irritated by Matthews’ music, local act Out of Place’s debut full-length doesn’t sound much like DMB. For one thing, singer-songwriter Adam Thompson is a strummer rather than a picker, and the music is more straightforward. Actually, a more apt description might be acoustic pop; Out of Place is radio-friendly, with emotive, personal lyrics and poppy, upbeat playing from drummer Lucas Thompson and bassist Steve Saxby. The polishing production work, shared by the band and Joe Johnston, helps. Not really my bag, but that doesn’t mean the Abercrombie crowd won’t dig it. Samples at www.outofplacemusic.com.