Album Details

• Artist: Lust & Violence
• EP:
Reflections
• Label: Unsigned
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2012-08-30

Straight up, no frills hard rock from a group who are on the fast track towards legitimate stardom, Lust & Violence have already shared the stage with some of the most well-known modern rock acts in the world. Reflections is their debut studio effort, a 4-track EP of material seemingly custom-made for the big stage. L&V seem to separate themselves from the crowd with a harder edge and a refreshing ear towards technically proficient guitar work.

What drives these songs forward is indeed the dual guitar work of frontman Chris Vondrell and lead guitarist Tillery, and the leads/solos are particularly fantastic on the tracks "Hellbound" and "Killing Me". These tracks stand out like sore thumbs, immediately accessible and well polished, fully prepared for radio rotation. "Deceiver" is no doubt the lyrical high point for the album, surging forward in a tight, mid-paced groove laced with delicious guitar runs. "Life Goes On" has a bit of an 80's hair metal feel to it, showing more depth in the band's influences and abilities. Not one of these tracks fails to stand on it's own merits, and each translates wonderfully via solid production and overall respectable songwriting.

Ultimately, Lust & Violence seem tailor-made for the stage, as the songs on Reflections would no doubt shine the brightest in the flesh. That's not to say the record doesn't fail to impress, as it certainly does. These guys have more to say about hard rock than about 90% of what passes for "popular" these days, and with just a little more creative chemistry and experience, they may be poised to strike a major blow within and beyond the realms of mainstream rock and roll.  

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