Out in the Light is the guitar driven rock debut of Waters, itself driven by former Port O’Brien frontman Van Pierszalowski. But you probably don’t know who that is or any songs by that band. I know I didn’t. Mostly that is because there is just so much music out there that even if you stick to just a single genre or sub-genre you won’t have enough time to listen to it all. And it is also because music, despite the proliferation of the Internet, remains a regional thing for many bands. It doesn’t matter how many records they have or where they’ve played until they’ve played in your town, caught the ear of your local DJs or bubbled up on your Pandora station because of all the other bands and songs you’ve rated.

But I’m not here to talk about the effect of the digital revolution on the music industry. I’m here to tell you that Out in the Light is worth giving a listen. It’s rock, not balls-to-the-wall party rock, but put a little soul to your lyrics with a guitar riff rock. It’s simple and catchy, and while Van’s voice can sometimes be strained or even bordering a whine, there is so much heart behind it that any irritation is washed away.

The deluge begins with the effusion of "For the One" and it sweeps you away in the current. Then we flow into "O Holy Break of Day" that drips with sentiment and sounds like slowly swirling the drain. Title track "Out in the Light" bubbles with promise, while "Back to You" sloshes and splashes around playfully.  "Ones You Had Before" dribbles out of the speakers and is awash with sadness. Then "Abridge My Love" pours on a gentle rinse that cascades over the edge like a waterfall. A squall of emotions showers from "If I Run", and then you are drenched, inundated by "Take Me Out to the Coast", for me the stand out song of the entire disc. The building rain of "San Francisco" hits you, irrigates your soul and hydrates your spirit. The album end with "Mickey Mantle" and if doesn’t liquefy your heart of stone, I don’t know what will. In waves and in ripples, the album unfolds its siren songs and mesmerize.

So maybe I didn’t know who Van Pierszalowski was before, but I do now, and I’m glad I do. Another album I’ll happily add to my hot tub play list to enjoy with the mermaids in the fading fall evenings. It’s better than getting colon hydrotherapy, that’s for sure.