Lasorda just might be the most under-publicized and under-recognized supergroup of the past couple years. Granted, the fragments of bands from which the fuzzy electronic/rock group with new wave sensibilities emerges are themselves fairly underground. However, I find it baffling that at the time of the record release the band’s page still has under 1000 fans. Why? Well, beyond the fact that the band produces addictive music that leaves the listener wanting more with each track, the band features members that have played with the likes of Kevin Devine and the G*dd*mn Band, Fun., The Get Up Kids (Matt Pryor) and Ghosty.
The eleven track album has an average song length of around three minutes. That said, in spite of that being the average length of a radio hit, the songs take long enough to build up that they end almost prematurely. Emphasis on the almost. “Almost” because the songs are long enough to be enjoyable but short enough to warrant another listen almost immediately. Passive or attentive listening seem to suit the songs well too.
Each song is a highlight in it’s own way. “The Age of Wonder” begins the record with synth heavy melodies that seem to take some influence from Jason and Ronnie Martin, the prolific Tooth and Nail Records’ songwriters that are the brains behind Starflyer 59 and Joy Electric, respectively (look them up). “His Laugh is Lowe,” the album ender and the longest on the record has a feel that’s close to being elevator music, without the obnoxious cliches that people often think of when the phrase “elevator music” is uttered. The balance of the album ranges from the angst-ridden (“Go On, Give Me the Bad News”) to the creepy (“Fivefivefourtwo”), to the cheerful. “Sleep When You Are Dead” sounds a like a Metric sound re-recorded with male vocals – definitely not a bad thing! The Metric sound continues on “Of Little Faith” but almost a dead ringer for the band this time around! Still no complaints – the song retains enough of an indie vibe to hold the Lasorda brand and not be plagiarism. Basically, Lasorda may have put out one of the ultimate dark horse records of 2012.
