Sometimes seemingly one-off side projects take on an unexpected life of their own. Such is the case with FM Static, the extracurricular band of Thousand Foot Krutch's drummer Steve Augustine and guitarist/singer Trevor McNevan. The pair (joined by a bassist and extra guitarist) followed up their 2003 debut with 2006's CRITICALLY ASHAMED, a further exploration of the group's exuberant punk-pop. FM Static seem determined to keep things fun and light, and that is all to the good: the album brims with sunny melodies, rousing rhythms, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. A healthy dose of contemporary punk-pop pleasure, CRITICALLY ASHAMED should please fans of the group's debut and convert new fans as well.