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It's appropriate that this earnest, young quartet of rockers is signed to the label that squired Creed to multiplatinum superstardom. Like Creed, 12 Stones deliver accessible, middle-of-the-road, postgrunge rock throughout their formulaic debut. Having emerged from the small burg of Mandeville, Louisiana, they serve up songs that tap (albeit at times tritely) into the self-doubt and romantic woes of post-Ritalin teens ("Patiently waiting by the phone / Hoping that you will call me home"). The songs, though, are honest and deeply felt, especially when singer Paul McCoy summons a metallic growl and Eric Weaver's sinuous guitar yields memorable melodies and acute solos. The menacing drums and agitation of "My Life" make it a highlight; ditto the speedy, edgy rocker "Eric's Song" and the passionate "Soulfire." --Katherine Turman