Heavy issues aside, Artificial Joy Club sounds large, strong and melodic -- and intellectually accessible in both their music and lyrics. Their Interscope debut Melt turns out music both blunt and poignant, music that's emotive. Imported from Ottawa, Canada, Sal, guitarist Leslie Howe, bassist Tim Dupont, guitarist Michael Goyette and drummer Andrew Lamarche are not only great musicians, but outspoken and unapologetic. True to their heritage, however, they are funny and wryly observant. Drawn to junk/pop culture, urban folklore, and psychological introspection, Melt is strewn with references such as Vulcans, Kevorkian, gerbils, Forrest Gump, pogo sticks, cheeky monkeys and Pete Best. ~ Amanda Nusbaum