Ace Enders & a Million Different People, 'When I Hit the Ground'

The buzz: As the singer-songwriter for the Early November, Ace Enders made a name for himself in the emo-rock scene by bucking convention, which culminated in a mess of a triple-disc album that served as the fledgling band's siren song. “When I Hit the Ground” is his third solo effort.

The verdict: For a guy that stood out from the crowd, as a solo artist Enders is apparently happy to be part of the pack: the songs on “Ground” are, without exception, reminiscent of the second-rate material of far bigger bands. “Take the Money and Run” has nothing to do with Steve Miller, but it has plenty to do with Jimmy Eat World, from whom Enders has lifted hooks that feel permanent but are ultimately disposable; “S.O.S.” isn't a Rihanna call-back, but rather a reminder that Dashboard Confessional were probably better off not going electric. It's not all a wash—Enders has a powerful wail, and when he lets it loose (on “Reintroduction” and others) it's clear he's passionate about the material; it's just too bad that the material's not strong enough to back up the screaming.

Did you know? Enders recently released a download-only version of the Verve's Rolling Stones–biting “Bittersweet Symphony.”

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