LCB & Friends -sway

LCB & Friends

sway
self-released; 2014

3.3 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

I like the story of LCB & Friends. It is pretty unique and I think you might like it too. The group is formed from musicians from a variety of other bands who got together to make and record songs which were written over the past few years but didn't work with the music their own bands were making. I think I may have enjoyed the songs just a little bit more because of that fact.

On their release sway, the music, which is well written, comes off as rather generic. I mean that in the best way possible. It is enjoyable but quite often felt like I was listening to Steely Dan, early ZZ tops covers or blues/rock hybrid songs that I have heard since the early ‘70s. Speaking of the ‘70s this is where most of the music is derived. You won’t hear any influence from Grizzly Bear or Animal Collective.

First up is “Shine a Light.” It is a soft rocker which contains an enjoyably, catchy chorus that gets stuck in your head. He sings, “Shine a light Shine your love down on me its going to be alright.” Although the song was utterly predictable in where it was going it contained some worthy moments.

“Everyday Says” musically and lyrically follows all the tropes of Steve Miller Band, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp type of rock. Again a solid song but it lacks any unique aspects. The same goes for “I Met Her at a Party” but instead it follows a typical blues/rock style bands have been playing for the last fifty years.

The highlight was “Gypsy Love (The Reason We're Here).” It’s a slow song but also happens to be the best sung and displays some solid mandolin playing that is reminiscent of “Trickle” by the Grateful Dead. This song not only had the best vocal performance but the most inspired lyrics as well.

The closer was the runner up “Country and Western.” The title is indicative of the style you are greeted with. This is another well-sung song and is reminiscent of The Eagles.

The songs are disparate and almost an homage to different styles and bands rather than anything else. One thing these collection of songs did is made me bust out some of my favorite albums from the ‘70s.

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