by Dan Short, The Casco Bay Weekly, 11.17.02

If nothing else, Maine-based singer/songwriter Mitch Alden has control of his music. Not only does he write the songs, takes the greatest role in the musical performances and co-produces the records, he also hires the rest of his band, Now is Now, on a per performance basis. The approach, similar to one Trent Reznor uses for Nine Inch Nails, leaves Alden free to create with no one to answer to. Alden says he came to his approach after a frustrating musical career in central New York state and Boston, making music to suit the whims of the marketplace, music biz execs and less enlightened band mates.

It is a headstrong approach, but on Now is Now’s first full-length CD, "Transitions," it works beautifully. From the first song on, "Transitions" proves to be a solid, professional and mature work. Inspired by ’70s rock and hard rock with a touch of R.E.M. thrown in for good measure, Alden creates music that’s conservative, but also polished and passionate. Though the rest of the musicians may be hired guns, they manage to perform in a tight and inspired fashion. Songs like "Daydream," "Now" and "Sail Away" have a melodic flavor that’s both immediate and full of nuance. The lyrics on the album are both highly personal and highly literate, but not too pretentious. The only real drawbacks to the album are the forced hard rock of "Heaven Helps" and the overall conservative nature of Alden’s music. Still, Now is Now’s "Transitions" is a shockingly good record.

The CD release party for Now is Now is at RíRá, 72 Commercial St., Portland, at 10 p.m. 761-4446.

Dan Short is a freelance writer for The Casco Bay Weekly, 207-775-6601.