Existentialism -- n. A philosophy emphasizing the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe.

The Exies -- n. A So-Cal quartet, with its name from an abbreviation of the aforementioned philosophy, emphasizing the mixture of rock elements in its quite hostile, yet aggregate, sound.

With its debut album Inertia, The Exies present an interesting mix of rock's many genres. From calm to industrial to pop, the album shows no dependency on any specific style.

The Exies ignite Inertia with the first single, "My Goddess." Mid-tempt and heavy, the track flourishes with studio tricks and syncopated vocals until leveling off into a pulsing chorus. The straight rock approach follows on several other tracks, such as "Without" and "Calm & Collected."

Inertia keeps its diversity by showcases the band's lighter side. The title track finds them in alt-rock land -- with calming vocals and gently flowing guitars.

"Creeper Kamikaze" continues in this pensive vein, showing an even more vulnerable quartet. The track, delving into the confusion of depression, takes a triumphant stance with its string accompaniment alongside the strong backbone of guitar and drums.

Some tracks bottom-out when attempting the genre crossbreeding. "Lo-Fi" just sounds like a bland rap-rock jaunt gone horribly wrong.

The Exies are certainly not out to revolutionize rock music. The band has a grasp on their mixed styles and can keep a curious ear attentive.

-- Reviewed by Dante DelVecchio