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It's rare for this writer to find a female-fronted alternative
band that's actually worthwhile. But at the same time, whenever
a stringed instrument is added into the mix, the band is automatically
pushed to the top. Thus when the group Lunic showed up
with its delicate female vocalist and expert violinist, it presented
quite a predicament. To like the music or not? This was my question.
From the beginning with the song "Masquerade" the violin
skills are put to the test when oddly integrated into a 1980's
punk rock selection. Full of feminine power, the strings are lost
underneath a punk bass and hyper guitar, and when everyone else
takes a breath is when the violin shines, turning the fem-power
into a set of subduing notes that somehow steal away the audience's
attention. A ballad is not something automatically thought of
coming from a female-fronted band, as most songs would be emotion-packed.
But for Lunic, breaking the standards comes easily and thus their
ballad "The Little Room" did as well. The few moments
of intro to the song have a guitar that is so politely plucked;
they're nearly porcelain and set up with foot pedals. Naturally,
actual porcelain keys are most likely present, but they integrate
so well it's unnoticeable. After a bit the rest of the members
join in for an excellent rock jam-out. Finally, strong chords
are strummed and drum beats are perfectly timed. As a victim of
curiosity, the jump was made to the song with the most interesting
title, "Revenge Of The Lot Lizard." If the sentiment
from the previous song would've been considered solemn, then the
feeling for this song is seduction. With lyrics that flow as though
they were ripped from the pages of a story. "While you sleep,
she will creep/Out of the shadows like a leach/Hide your neck,
lock the doors/Put up the cross cause she's a wrong-way girl,"
each word draws you in closer and closer. The final song chosen
to end off the album was a rather entrancing one. Though the melody
in "Hypnotized" is rather simple and basically on repeat
for the entire number, Katiee's voice still somehow keeps
your attention as it floats above. No one member really takes
point on this one and the guitar is particularly anti-climatic.
But then again, I believe that's the point. This is one of the
songs that's best served on a front porch with the sun peaking
through the trees and an old wooden swing.
While Lunic may have set out to produce an indie/alt. album,
I believe what they have done is really embarked on a slightly
new adaptation of a few genres mashed together. For a sophomore
album, there isn't any definitive direction which should be at
least semi-apparent at this stage. However, there's definite talent
and a promise for even more to come.
-Rachel Fredrickson
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