Lockdown - Liar's Throne EP

Lockdown

​Liar's Throne EP
self-released; 2016

3.4 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Ethan Smith (vocals/guitar), Seth Williams (lead guitar), Max Yonts (bass) and Devin Nelson (drums) are a rock band called Lockdown from Indianapolis, Indiana who recently released a five-song EP entitled Liar's Throne.

The band has said “we really are not sure what we would compare our sound to we just think of ourselves as rock and roll.” I have to say I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. The band is hard to compare because they have such a broad rock sound that ranges from the ’60s to the late ’90s. I can’t say there are many distinct characteristics about this band that stick with you after the music's over. The songs are well written and the band has some technical talent but the band songs certainly took some time to stick. 

They open with “Revolution” which is nothing more than a rock song. There is really no other way to say it. The most dynamic thing about the music are the vocals. Smith goes from a natural comfortable range to very expressive high octaves. He sings “And as the weak combat the strong / Revolution is our fighting song / And some may fight for what is wrong / But at least the fighting makes us strong."

“Get Out” is another solid song but is also devoid of a distinct personality. I have to hand it to the drummer and guitarist for pulling off some exceptional chemistry towards the beginning of the song.

“Liar's Throne” has a bit more of a unique blues rock feel. I found the lyrics to be slightly funny. I’m not sure if that was the intent. Smith sings, “Right about now / You probably think I hate you  /That I can’t stand you / That you only bring me down / And I hate to say that that’s mostly true.” The most original sounding song may go to the closer “Apathy & Sympathy.” The song is far from perfect but has some notable moments like around the 2:30 mark.

Lockdown has some talent but aren’t yet competitive with some of the more innovative bands coming out today. I would encourage them to dig a little deeper and try to figure out what else they can offer besides a familiar rock sound. That being said this EP also contains a foundation for the band to build upon. 

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