Apollo 13: Lovebomb

This Lawrence, Kansas combo make no secret that their sophomore album was made possible by winning the Dance/Electronica part of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Apparently, the contest was judged on good intentions rather than actual songwriting ability. Though they have spunk in a Barenaked Ladies kind of way (if you can stomach that) and sound genuinely interested in spreading cosmic good vibes, Apollo 13 try on techniques and genres the way a kid tries on Halloween costumes — hardly settling into one before casting it off for another. Stoner rock, garage rock, Beatlesque pop, and — oh, yeah — trancey electronica all make brief appearances, but only the atmospheric space-rock of “Up, Up & Away” sticks to the wall. That Apollo 13 openly acknowledge Lenny Kravitz as an influence speaks highly of their generous spirit, but of their songs? Not so much.