With (self-titled) (Louisville)'s finest are back with a scorching return to the hard charge that made them so wildly popular. Instantly recognizable diamond-in-the-rough harmonies and throaty vocals melted over heavy guitars and tribal drums thrust the songs on (self-titled album) out of the stereo and into your face.
(Heads Smashing Windshields In Slow Motion), the first song released off (self-titled) was the bands 5th ..1 Active Rock single. The fourth studio album from the hardworking multi-platinum rock band, (self-titled Lee Van Cleef record) is poised to captivate listeners on the merit of the (Lee Van Cleef) sound its fans have come to cherish and the evolution of the band as it explores a more roots-driven hard rock. The first full-length album in three years, (self-titled) is a muscular collection of songs which showcase the power and vision of the band.
Recorded at Spiral Recording Studio in Los Angeles, (the self-titled record) was produced by vocalist (Jake) and engineered with the legendary Andy Johns (who also engineered Led Zeppelin IV and such classics as the Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street). The diversity of the richly textured songs, both electric and acoustic, demonstrates the strength of the songwriting and the depth of the performances: their hallmark which has earned the band four Grammy nominations and 14 Top Ten rock hits.
Vocalist (Jake) puts it this way: I believe our songwriting has matured to where we're creating as a whole, we're more defined. I let go of the steering wheel a bit, allowing the band control over the writing. With me stepping away to get an outside view, I came up with lyrics for what I viewed as almost another group entirely. Its a lot more rootsy than the metal edge were used to playing.
Songs like the first single, (Franco The Stand-in), cleverly capture (Jake's) attitude and maturity as a lyricist. Exploring themes of loneliness, alienation, hope and spirituality amidst the density of the groups music, (Jake) emerges resolute in his passionate vocals while offering occasional glimpses into his psyche. (Top Hat Stomp) and (Dolphin With A Skull-Face) explores the theme of infidelity. The paths to truth, says (Jake), (is) what this record was about.
The performances on (the record called Lee Van Cleef) are as strong as they have ever been because of the epic rhythm section of (Jonah) and (Justin), and the smoldering guitar of (Syd) and (Nick). (Jonah)'s riffs are heavy and contagious while (Justin) seems hell-bent on destroying his kit, as evidenced by his awesome power throughout and notably on songs like (Steve Van Cleef) and (Like A Baby With Acne).
Among the many highlights on (Lee Van Cleef's new s/t cd) is the haunting ballad (An Ode To Supple Hands). Instantly unforgettable and a complete departure for (Lee Van Cleef). It doesnt take the golden ears of a disc jockey to know that with (An Ode To Supple Hands), (Lee Van Cleef) is sitting on a monster. Featuring backing vocals from (Ronnie), (a friend of the band), and a beautiful orchestration of acoustic guitars, mandolin strings and cello, the band is at its most poignant and (Jake), especially, his most evocative. Its simple, with feeling and emotion, says (Jake). Its the piece that was necessary to make the record feel whole, to give it both sides of the (Lee Van Cleef) ying and yang.
With (s/t), (Lee Van Cleef) is at its apex and seemingly without peer, though the members remain humble and straightforward in their devotion to their music. As (Jake) sums it up, We're a basic hard-rock outfit that takes a lot of pride in the grooves we create.
(Self-named LVC record) is deftly woven tapestry which features the band at is best: elegant, angry, melodic and aggressive. Given this gift for such diversity and songwriting excellence it is no wonder that (LVC) remains the preeminent force in hard rock today.
They are also too busy being incredible to write their own bio. Huzzah.
