The year was 1995. At the time I was a freshman in college and everywhere I went I couldn't escape the song "Breakfast at Tiffany's." The group, relative unknowns Deep Blue Something, might have scored a major success, but almost as soon as their star burned bright it burnt out. The tale of a band with one true hit is a sad, yet familiar one. The tale of a band however, that attempts to return some six years later is far less common. This sort of come back is what Deep Blue Something is hoping for.

Fans of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" will be confused at best with what the new and "improved" Deep Blue Something have to offer. Don't get me wrong- the boys deserve credit, having to overcome many obstacles just to release music today. Back in the early 90's founding members, Todd and Toby Pipes, John Kirtland and Clay Bergus seemed to achieve fame overnight. Releasing their album independently initially, the band found it hard to keep it on the shelves. So the guys entered into a contract with Interscope Records that showcased them in a larger scope than they ever had dreamed.

Years of exhausting court battles and creative frustration kept Deep Blue Something from releasing any new material. In fact, until 1999 the group was legally not allowed to record. An experience that would make any band jaded, Deep Blue Something willingly decided to go with a smaller venue, Aezra Records. A label known for encouraging creative expression, Aezra might have loosened the reigns a little too much where Deep Blue Something was concerned. Remember how when you were a kid and you first realized different wasn't always a good thing? Well, the rule still applies. Case in point, the new Deep Blue Something album.

The first track off of the self-titled release is "She Is." Somewhat reminiscent of The Beatles, this track is definitely the most mainstream inclusion. As far as duplicating their 'Tiffany' success however, it's a long shot. Unfortunately even though "She Is" is a far cry from radio friendly, it is their only hope. Many of the songs experiment with different genres and sounds. The song "Military Man" sounds heavily influenced by 80's new wave. Think Gary Numan's classic, "Cars" only without the "classic"). Other 80's themed tracks include "So Precious," perfect background music for a John Hughes 80's flick sans the horn section and "Burning a Past."

"Who Wants It" is a particularly irritating tune only outdone by, "Page Me Wolverine." "Wolverine" is a musical mess that conjures images of songwriter Todd Pipes at a loss for what to rhyme with the word machine.

While Deep Blue Something's musical journey might be far from over they are still a far cry from being deep. For those listeners who like experimental rock I'd say give the album a try. For those who liked Deep Blue Something circa 1995--my advice is don't bother.