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It's incredible to hear the number of artists who have improved themselves in 2002, if not reinvented their sound. Case in point, Pacific Northwest band Cadet. The melodic pop/rock quartet released not one, but two "debuts" in the spring of 2001 – their self-titled album, as well as the modern worship disc Any Given Day: Earth to Heaven. Critics and audiences reacted favorably, if not strongly, to Cadet's sound, which could be likened to the power pop of Weezer and Teenage Fanclub. Despite the mild praise, most didn't take the band all that seriously, assuming the trio would remain insignificant and obscure. If you're one of those people, give Cadet's The Observatory a spin and you may change your mind just a few songs into it.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Ryan Smith, bassist Jason Kennedy, and drummer Chad Basom welcome new member Matt Lenhart on keyboards and guitar. Matt adds just enough substance to Cadet's sound to elevate it above amateur garage rock. What's most impressive about The Observatory, though, is the band's maturing sound, which seems to have happened more swiftly than a teenage growth spurt. The debut was fun, melodic, rocking, and a little sophomoric; The Observatory features thoughtful and melodic modern rock with a British influence. These guys have reached a level close to that of mainstream act Jimmy Eat World, a band that also has proven you can be artistic and creative with the power pop/rock sound. There are also hints of The Elms and Eleventh Hour Jars of Clay to the new sound; Ryan Smith even sounds a lot like Dan Haseltine. It's a good thing Cadet still retains some of their Weezer-like garage rock sound, otherwise I'd swear this was a new band!
Tracks
1. Nobody
2. Blame
3. Change My Name
4. Call Me
5. Today
6. High Tide
7. Stuck in a Song
8. Two Stars
9. Cry to You
10. Come Alive
11. Wishing Well
Your 
