The following article is from the Spokesman Review, September 17, 2001 by Brian Thorpe, Ferris

Local boys make good on second album

Mayfield Four / second skin

The Mayfield Four has been puttering around Spokane for years.

The band formally began jamming in mid-1996 and was introduced on the national level with the release of "Fallout" on the Epic label in 1998.

A melodic gem, "Fallout" garnered local radio play and gained the Four some hometown fans. But on the whole, it failed to gain much national attention.

Guitarist Craig Johnson's departure in 1999 left vocalist/ guitarist Myles Kennedy, bassist Marty Meisner and skinsman Zia Uddin without a rhythm guitarist and stuck with a misnomer.

Fortunately for rock fans everywhere, the Four are still together as a trio, and have released a solid follow-up with this year's "Second Skin."

"Second Skin" shows boatloads more aggression and speed. Whereas "Fallout" included a lot of softer, more melodic tunes, "Second Skin" patches together elements of grunge and post-grunge in the crafting of a stormy, aggressive brew. However, the band never fully abandons musicality in favor of a pure audio assault. Even the most furious track, "Loose Cannon," never completely fades into harsh discord.

Despite hearty and skillful instrumentation from Meisner and especially Uddin, where The Mayfield Four really shine is Kennedy's vocals. While his guitar prowess is nothing to write home about, Kennedy's emotive singing belies a spectacular voice. A wicked cross between Chris Cornell's range and tone and Freddie Mercury's emotion and control, Kennedy is simply the best and most versatile new rock singer out there. His mind-blowing talent (such as on the track "White Flag") is the cherry on top of the sundae that is "Second Skin."

All things considered, the trio known as The Mayfield Four has put out a quality album that more than justifies the long wait for it. Go out and buy it, not only for the great tunes but also to support Spokane's only major-label claim-to-fame.