Reviews
Lovely Killbots
Primrose Lane
Lovely Killbots - Ghetto A (Download)
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More lovely than robotic, The Lovely Killbot's music has a unique character that is unmistakable. The simplistic pairing of drums and piano is dynamic and they exploit and explore this relationship. Primrose Lane is an extended walk through this relationship; and by the end of the album, the listener possesses a map of the Killbot's musical world. It is a dramatic world, where music is narrative that builds and shifts, unfolding a landscape with crevices of whimsy, smoke, and passion.
"Dis/Gruntled" is a good example of the Killbots at their strongest. The drumming is tight, forming an effective foil for the simple piano. The dynamics range from intense, right down to a moment of quiet piano. The dynamic range gives the song a really feeling of movement, drawing you into the song and stirring up an emotional response.
Lauralee Sheehan's vocals are deep and rich, adding something to the smoky character of the music. However, they are sometimes one-dimensional. The contrast between the melodic music and simplistic vocals is not utilized to its full potential; there are times when the vocals seem to obscure the relationship between the piano and drums, which is the music's strength. The lyric content of the songs is similarly lean. It is the music itself that tells the Killbot's story.
There is not a lot of variety in Primrose Lane. This adds to the band's unified personality, yet doesn't provide any standout tracks. Instead, there are standout moments within tracks that capture the imagination. "Fill the Space" is a track that starts with such a moment, a soaring bit of piano. "Little Shape” ends with a moment of intense drumming that is exceptional.
After having said that there are no standout tracks: the instrumental track "Intimate Conversation with an Inanimate Heart" is excellent. This track best captures the drama that this band is capable of presenting. It reveals the depth available from the simple pairing of the piano and drums. The fact that this song does not try to maintain the traditional shape of a pop song is part of the reason why it succeeds. Instead it moves through several different movements that layer the
The Lovely Killbots have succeeded in carving out a unique sound. Even after only possessing this CD for a few days, it would be difficult to confuse this Toronto duo with anyone else. I look forward to hearing their unique character grow and refine in the future.
Score: 7
- Lisa Gasson