This time out Thompson wanted to create a feel-good album of infectious pop/rock instrumentals and he has succeeded splendidly. Seven of the nine outings exhibit an upbeat joyous exuberance and carefree attitude sure to bring a smile to any crusty old curmudgeon. Even the two slower songs maintain a cheerful edge, as evidenced in This Is Why which bounds with Thompson's fingerpick stylings and shimmering guitar parts.

Lasting Impact is the perfect opener for Bryon's melodic picnic, matching pitter-patter drums against chiming guitar tones that ring out like the warm summer sun. Throughout I was impressed at the multiple guitar parts that weave intricate figures around each other in an astounding display of musical acrobatics, never once colliding or stepping on toes. The title track is similarly bouncy with just a touch of grit in one of the guitar parts and enough sonic variety to keep your interest through the myriad changes. Bring It On is one of the rockiest compositions, sporting a retro sound harkening to a 1970s soundtrack with lots of southern-rock musical avenues for the listener to explore. In addition to glistening pop melodies Thompson is a master at devising guitar tones. Nowhere is this more evident than on Carried Away where piano-like percussive tones combine with parts that sound more harp than guitar. The closing track, One Thing More, opens with what I assume to be a solitary guitar with no overdubs playing a catchy melody over a mind-bending flurry of fingerpicked notes, later adding sparse extras to round out the brief composition.

The production on this album is as excellent as the musicianship. Bryon Thompson continues to grow as a songwriter, filling these edgy 3-4 minute pop/rock compositions with great pacing and development, using the brief time to explore a melody and then wisely ducking out before overstaying his welcome. Guitarists will drool uncontrollably at Bryon's ability to coax magic sounds from his instrument and music lovers will rejoice that yet another collection of accessible pop instrumentals are available to cheer away their grumpy ol' trolls.