Without reference to pictures or surnames, on first listen to Jason Antone’s self-titled EP one would quickly place it in the category of Latin-pop alongside the likes of Luis Miguel or Marc Anthony. Indeed the first track, "Return to Love," carries the romantic lyrics, singsong vocals and Latin percussion typical to that genre, but the album branches out after the first track into more traditional realms of pop. Jangly rhythm guitars and driving rhythms rule the remainder of the album, though Antone’s Latin-pop vocal sensibilities remain.

With a clear, expressive voice and sticky-sweet pop melodies, Jason Antone could easily become Chicago’s answer to the above mentioned Latin swoon kings. If only he sung in Spanish. His self-titled debut EP consists of four of the kind of songs that could serve as the perfect summer romance soundtrack. Each of his anguished love songs becomes more pained than the last, though he manages to sustain a certain level of optimism amid his world of torrid love affairs and broken hearts.

Antone and guitarist/arranger Dan Riportella play all the instruments on this EP. Dan’s contributions to the album include the wonderfully simple acoustic guitar hooks that form the base of ballad "Nothing to Hide." The warmth of his guitar tone and the fullness of the open chords he uses give this track the feel of a forgotten Gin Blossoms ballad. Succinct guitar solos decorate the spaces between the verses of several of the tracks, mirroring the recent Santana trend of crunchy guitar breaks over smooth salsa pop. It’s regrettable that Antone did not find space in the studio to include live percussion. While programmed with great skill, the drum machines feel very rigid compared to the fluidity of Antone’s voice and Riportella’s guitars. Finding live musicians would be the next logical step for this front man, one that could mean further exploration of musical styles and influences.