Being the only unsigned artist at Lollapalooza is a huge honor. In 2005 that honor belonged to singing/songwriting alternative quartet The Changes. Darren (singer/guitar, Rob (bass), Dave (Vocals/guitar), and Johny (drums) are Chicago natives who over the last 3 years have become and indie force to be reckoned with. If you're one of those musically challenged people who thinks that all indie-pop sounds the same, I can assure you that The Changes' debut album Today Is Tonight will change your mind.

The album's 12 tracks play like a musical masterpiece -- each track serving as the perfect introduction to next. The mood of the album is bright and airy and the lead vocals are stacked effortlessly atop acoustics so smooth they're almost enchanting. "When I Sleep" has a dream sequence feel you won't want to wake up from, and with cunning lyrics like, "there's a commotion in your heart", who'd want to? To me, that's where you draw the line between run of the mill indie-bands and those who deserve their musical moment. There's a silky, subtle, Chicago bred sounds that's discernable on every track. How many indie bands do you know who can discretely leave their mark on each song without annoyingly waving their signature style in your face? I only know one -- and this one is all that and some.

This album does a great job of introducing itself and helping you get acquainted to the music in a way that's very easy to digest. I'll let the tracks speak for themselves when you grab a copy, but I strongly recommend giving "When I Wake" and "Modern Love" an immediate listen. Watch out all you wannabe indie bands -- The Changes have changed the game right under your noses. Beware!