The roughness of the rock that Loudlife comes up with for the opening of their CD is something that follows from 38 Special and leads through Every Mother’s Nightmare and Cinderella into something that is new but with a lot of history behind it. The vocals of Lorraine Ferro during this disc are at least as strong as furious as the guitar work that screams in the background, which makes this band a great match for each other.
This is not to say that the only setting for Loudlife is loud and obnoxious, but tracks like “Tear In The Curtain” show that Geoff’s guitar can take a distinct Slash role to Lorraine’s Axl if need be. Aside from the more classic brands of rock that influence Loudlife, there seems to be quite a few links made to the current rock hitmakers, specifically to Velvet Revolver and Queens of the Stone Age. “Far Below The Surface” is yet another iteration in the ride of different styles of Loudlife. Present throughout all the tracks on this self-titled LP is the soulful and sultry vocals of Loudlife. Why exactly the band has not broken it big as of this moment is something that boggles me, but perhaps after this album gets into the right hands justice will be done. What is exciting about Loudlife is that a track like “Step Away” can take the style of an act like Kittie while Lorraine’s vocals keep their specific sound. Each of the tracks on this album could be transferred to rock radio without a problem; it is really Geoff’s ear for arrangements that makes tracks like “Step Away” into such darlings for listeners.
There really is no limit to the amount of styles that Geoff can pull out for a track, as the aforementioned “Step Away” takes into consideration actions like Coal Chamber, Kittie and Aerosmith before chewing them up and spitting them into a distinctly different style. Three-forths of an hour of music awaits listeners, and this is only on the first listen. There is no doubt that listeners will be able to throw this in their car and give it another few spins. Here’s to hoping that Loudlife is given the break that they need; all that one needs to listen to to be eternally a fan is the dual-vocal harmonies of “Cradle to Crypt”. Always radio-friendly but never sellouts, Loudlife is a band for any true rock fan.
Top Tracks: Cradle To Crypt, Tear in the Curtain
Rating: 6.2/10
Loudlife – S/T / 2005 Self / 10 Tracks / http://www.loudlifeband.com / Reviewed 04 March 2006
[JMcQ]