Lolita Black
produces a maelstrom of sound. They excel at a very hard edged, industrial
influenced punk-metal type of music with overtones of mosh. There is a rich
historical vein being tapped by this entity; the influence of past masters in
the art of rocking out permeates this group’s essence. The contemporary
esthetic that results informs us of the fact that this band exists very much in
the here and now. This is reiterated again and again as the songs on their new
album, ‘Flesh, Blood and Bone’, appear in the ordered succession.
Guitarist Bob
Otis had the inspiration that lead to the name of the band, which was started
in 2005 after he got together with Kaleigh Crass, the drummer. According to
Bob, the name seemed to fit ‘the vibe of what we were trying to write’.
Continuing in this vein, it is evident that the overall esthetic of the band is
very much congruent with itself. Anyone who managed to get their hands on the
groups first release, ‘Into the Wastleland’, can attest to the cohesiveness of
the presentation; the graphics and name fused with the music to create a
menacing edifice.
Their influences
are varied, ranging from various punk, post-punk, metal and industrial bands
all the way to Victorian novels, angst, despair, and sci-fi and horror movies.
Bob’s abilities
as guitarist and riff-monger have improved from the first record; he could
always play, and he gets better and better. ‘Hollow’ is a great example of
this. The subtle accenting in the phrasing of the riff is attacked consistently
and with authority. The tight rhythmic net created by Kaleigh and bassist Jacob
Blanchett provides solid support and serious bounce. They keep driving the riff
forward, building an incredible amount of tension along the way. On top of all
of this, Scarlett Delgado delivers as a vocalist, using her voice to enunciate
the lyrics in a highly dramatic way. There’s something about her vocalizing
that calls to mind Bruce Dickinson passed through the diaphragm of a woman. Her
tone is clear and she actually sings the lyrics. This is refreshing.
The rest of the
album possesses this level of coherence and articulated delivery. Slower tunes
alternate with faster ones. Of particular interest is the inclusion of
‘Tightrope’, a song from the first record. If memory serves, this version is
more punk-rock, the rhythms tighter and more driving. Scarlett’s delivery is
more dramatic than was Jessica Pacitto’s, who was the group’s first vocalist.
This group is
also adept at translating the music to a live setting. As engaging as the
record is, this needs to be experienced live. Their ability to project their
music, to engage the audience, is a powerful asset. They have tons of stage
presence and attack each song like it’s their last. They also know how to employ
lighting effects for an enhanced presentation. A recent set at as220 caught
them bathed in eerie orange light. The effect was quite surreal. They are
aiming at a late November/ December release. Here’s to it.
Check them out at:
Posts
