While Craving’s new CD, “February,” is primarily guitar-driven rock in the vein of early REM or other early 1980s college rock staples, the 10-song CD features a dynamic range of styles and instrumentation, from the folkier, mandolin-infused “Salmon Falls” to the hauntingly beautiful, piano-laced ballad “Fade” to the politically charged “Paper Dragons.”The first two songs reel the listener in with their hook-laden choruses. The melodic “Cold Water” features edgy, driving guitar, and on the up-tempo, reflective “Done & Gone,” drummer Scott Harris and  bassist/vocalist Brian Scanlon combine for particularly pulverizing rhythm section work.

“Paper Dragon” is punctuated with sound bites from our president, including the infamous quote, “If this were a dictatorship, it’d be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I’m the dictator.” The lyrics point to the human toll of the invasion of Iraq, packing a powerful punch sure to leave a lasting impression on the listener.

The ballads “Fade” and “Change,” crafted with tension and emotion, are among the album’s best works. The seductive edge of Scanlon’s vocals mix with the swirling, ambient strings in “Change” to create a stirring sonic landscape.

Craving has been on the local scene for five years and, until recently, had a female vocalist. The re-invented line-up, says guitarist Tim Deal, wrote collaboratively for this effort. It also includes Brian Wiseman on guitar and the aforementioned Harris on keyboards as well as drums.

The CD, mixed by Harris and mastered by Hank Decken at Dizzyland Studios, was recorded in the desperate climate of the RPM Challenge, and the 28-day deadline to write and record an album may be behind its uncompromising nature. It has the kind of heart and honesty that can only come from long nights and desperate measures.

‘February’ is available at Bull Moose, cdbaby.com, and cravingmusic.com