naples daily news
Friday, June 21, 2002
http://www.bonitabanner.com/02/06/showcase/d717498a.htm
By CHUCK CAMPBELL
 Scripps Howard News Service 

ALL LIGHTS OFF, Rearview Mirror (Gobstopper/Palm Pictures) 

Steve Lillywhite ought to be able to recognize the next best thing — he's produced 
the likes of U2, the Dave Matthews Band, the Rolling Stones and Phish. So his comparison 
of Cresco, Iowa, band Rearview Mirror to early U2 carries considerable weight. 

The group partly justifies Lillywhite's accolades on its debut "All Lights Off," 
the first release on the producer's new Gobstopper label. Earnest, energetic and 
idealistic, Rearview Mirror reflects no major shortcomings on its crisp release 
produced by Lillywhite. 

From the gritty first single "In the Beginning" to the melodicism of the crushing 
"City Walls" to the powerhouse chorus in "Guilty," "All Lights Off" is a bruising 
slice of thoughtful heavy rock. 

What's amazing is the band members are all 18- to 20-years old, with 18-year-old 
singer Adam Ptacek commanding the helm with a dexterity that most vocalists never 
achieve in their entire careers. His plaintive and broad-ranged delivery creates a 
provocative mouthpiece for an ambitious band that glides through tempo shifts with 
seeming maturity. 

Despite the precocious talents of the group members, however, Rearview Mirror hasn't 
found a distinct voice. "All Lights Off" is alternately reminiscent of System of a 
Down, Creed, Deftones and Tool, among others — an indication the producer got too 
heavy-handed with his control. 

Yet for this band to be so far along at such an early stage, it's no wonder 
Lillywhite is pumped. 

Rating (five possible): 3.5