"Solid hooks, charismatic vocals, "lots" of adrenaline and a gut feel for where to lay the icing on thick." That somewhat paints the picture of one of the best pop/rock groups I've heard in a very long time, out of the midwest.

Chicago, Illinois is the lucky host for this aspiring, talented trio calling themselves Marigold Engine. Steve Taylor possesses a George Michael / Stevie Wonder / Bono vocal style that never even hints at a sour note, and is executed with pure emotion and professional control.

"You're The Lightning" is the first track, which sails effortlessly on a vigorous sea of groove and chorus line that is made to last. "Goodbye", second track, starts out as a slow rhythmic synth/acoustic tune which soon explodes into a massive chorus line that holds nothing back in the way of stamina, backed by a mean guitar and aggressive bass. "In A Big Room" is a mellow "Seal style" ballad with exceptional melody and instrumental quality. Of course I could say "instrumental quality" for every song on this disc, which includes "Sorry" with it's magical synth and rock solid bass, drum and unforgettable chorus, the cool "Diva", "We Will All Get In" and others. There is really no use in explaining these songs to you, all you really need to know is: If you like good solid modern rock that is not short on creativity and instrumental know-how, then you just have to get the album. If all goes the way it should, this band will be making their way into your home anyhow!

You might have already heard Steve's voice, for it has been featured on national commercial spots already. Erik Saari (responsible for much of the Marigold sound in the way of guitars, keyboards and programming) has also produced albums for other bands, this might explain the exceptional quality of sound on this album. Jonathan Paul has played with many jazz projects including Fareed Haque's band, which is the reason for the unique bass appeal that underlines most of the songs. This is definitely a potent brew of talent that puts 'In A Big Room' on a level unparalleled by other locals.

The talent of Marigold Engine seems absolutely endless, whether it's the pure songwriting skill, or the instrumental aspect itself. The production quality of the album can stand up to anything out there. A vocal sometimes akin to Stevie Wonder, musically going in the direction of such bands as U2 and Better Than Ezra.

This band is a master at high-driven pop rock with a genius flair for effect and melody, propelled by the programming skill of Saari. Totally refreshing, contemporary rock with a techno feel.

Exceptional recording quality! The album was produced by Erik Saari and Steve Taylor themselves, and was recorded and mixed at "Studio Marigold Engine" with some additional help by "Reel Life Recorders" (Chris Taylor) in South Lyon, MI, and "Colossal Mastering" (Dan Stout) in Chicago.

Lyrics are great. Vague, leaving much to the imagination.

As mentioned before, Marigold Engine reminds me a little of Better Than Ezra, especially in songs like "Goodbye", the second track on the album. It has all the attributes of a hit song, in fact most of the songs on this disc would fit just comfy in a modern rock radio format.

Marigold Engine's strongest offensive is their vocal and songwriting capability, which happens to be the main ingredient for real success and staying power in today's pop music profession. That, with their incredible mix of guitars and effects, not to mention one of the most tasteful drumming I've ever witnessed (Joseph Bianco), equally tasteful bass (Jonathan Paul), makes this band a highly probable candidate for "going to the top."

This is one of the best albums I've heard to date in the Midwest region. www.marigoldengine.com