This has been done before. These guitars have been played. The drums have been thumped by too many other bands. The bass swims along ever so gracefully like a lost dolphin beside the guitars. The chug chug of the guitars sounds stolen from almost every other retro new wave band that somehow feels its necessary to resurrect a decade that did quite well on its own in the 80s.
The high hat gets a workout, much as it always does halfway through these types of songs. The bass drum keeps a steady beat as spalshy guitars wale and whine early on. Vocals increase and the moan factor jumps a notch. Lola Ray has everything down to perfection. The fish eye band photos, the flashy website, the press clippings, and a well-written press sheet. The influences are not worn on sleeves, but rather stickered right to the instruments. The Cure, U2 (gag), Joy Division, anything new wave, etc etc. The list goes on and the Moz continues to break new ground with shotguns album covers.
Sure, this review is short, but I already gave up 45 minutes to this and I feel that I'm owed something; its my only way of hinting to Lola Ray to mix it up, throw an accordion in the mix, listen to Sly and the Family Stone, download Pere Ubu's entire collection. For fuck's sake, do something to make your music interesting and engaging. You've got skills on the instruments, no one is doubting this. But in the originality department, you're barely teething. This CD is on its way to the FREE section of craigslist. For anyone interested, it will be in the alley behind my house.
- Darren Susin | 2006-08-17
