It is very comforting to see bands that have been together since high school, finally make it. It's a solid proof that some teenage dreams can come true. And Italian band the Blacklies can be proud that "they did it"! The question though is what did they achieve exactly?

"Groundfloor", their debut album, is a typical example of today's indie crossover sound. Loud guitars, passionate vocals, dynamic rhythm section, a certain glimpse of grunge the likes of Soundgarden or Alice in Chains, a little bit of anthemic rock a la Coldplay, you can even spot a slight electronic approach Depeche Mode-style. The songs combine heavy guitar riffs with clean vocals, switching from melody to noise.

Overall, it is not a bad album. It's a decent one. But, unfortunately, it sounds very unexceptional, too.