After a week of listening to Cuttlefish’s new album, Marble, I have a distinct impression that I’m supposed to be enjoying it more than I am. I catch myself smiling sometimes while it runs and I dart through the ever-increasing traffic here in the ’Boro, but I also catch myself feeling bored, like I want to change the station before realizing I’m not listening to the radio.

I guess that says something about the production value. It’s a well-made monstrosity; I just can’t seem to make myself really dig in.

It’s possible that after listening to music shoved under the blanket term “?Boro-Rock” for six years, I’ve grown tired of what it represents?music that is possibly a little better than what’s passing for mainstream these days, but not by much, played with a sort of paranoid, cocky chagrin by everyone involved.

It’s obvious these boys have some potential, but I find myself writing that too often. I may have said nicer things about similar music before; sorry Cuttlefish, ya caught me on an off week. I just can’t make myself do it today.

For clarification purposes, these days ?Boro-Rock refers to a sort-of bluesy, sort-of indie rock sound, usually made by musicians who claim they didn’t really think they were onto anything then ended up putting out an album. There’s usually a cover song somewhere on this album.

The first few notes of Marble sound like a country-western song, then “Crowdog” becomes a bit more punk; it’s simple and fast.

The rest of the album is a bit more of what I expected: ’90s throwback songs, with moments of solid vocal harmony, and hints of Radiohead and Pink Floyd influences. At parts, the lyrics are annoying, with silly words being used to ensure a rhyme or two, but I’ll live.

I like the middle of the album best, and truly enjoy tracks six, seven and eight. A hidden track 11 is also a bit ’90s, but the 30 empty, three-second tracks, leading up to hidden track number two (album track 42), was a bit much.

In short, I don’t question the existence of some talent, but I do question the taste of Cuttlefish.

Judge for yourself.