THE LOVELIES - HOT ONE

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Website: Lovelies online

I guess I should probably see this local band play live before I write a review on their latest CD. I took a chance on buying this cd a few weeks back after reading a very positive review in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. I usually don't take chances like this, especially when I didn't even hear one sample of what this band sounded like. But, I was well rewarded when I put this disc into the player.

This trio (Liv Meuller-Vocals & Guitar, Barb Washburn-Bass & Vocals, and Damian Strigens-Drums) plays power-three-chord pop/rock that is fresh and fun. Their songs present a punk attitude that is seldom heard today. If you listen to Elastica and Liz Phair, you should enjoy this cd.

"Hot One" starts out appropriately with "Catalina". Driving guitars and pounding drums gives you a good feel for what lies ahead on this release. In "Constellation", Mueller sings some sexually "suggestive" lyrics to a fast and danceable arrangement. "My star is not bright compared to your constellation" is a pretty deep analogy for anyone who is this love-sick! Angst over romantic relationships is a re-occuring theme throughout this cd. "Mexican Wedding Shirt" is the most powerful song on the cd. A few references to a violent romance are present on this tune; "He loved her so much that he shot her in the head". I have to listen to this song a few more times to try to figure out what this is saying! "Crazy Love" reminds me a Pretenders tune; complete with a guitar sound straight out of "Brass in Pocket". "Searchin'" is another fun song that centers around a jangly bass-line. This song is basically an instrumental that would probably be an even better song to hear live.

Hopefully, I'll get the chance to see this band play live in the area soon. I have a feeling that these songs take on a new life when performed live. Support the Milwaukee music scene and give this cd a try!