102 Degrees

Once upon a time, The Heavy Pets weren’t so heavy. In fact, before the electrified acrobatics of lead guitarists Jeff Lloyd and Mike Garulli, THP’s formative years were often an acoustic affair. On the band’s third studio effort, Swim Out Past the Sun, fans get to experience those unplugged roots. But trading a virtuosic awe-and-shock approach for a sensitive aww-and-schucks one has its perils. Fortunately, the Florida quintet has refined its delicate dance between jam and mainstream throughout previous releases – and the result here is a precise balance. An infusion of reggae elements into sugary acoustic-pop ( “Foolishness” ) creates radio-friendly songs without compromising live appeal. Discerningly placed guitar solos and acoustic gymnastics ( “Lantern,” “3AM” ) further suggest the jam potential of this exciting, yet daring album.