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Album Details

• Artist: Lovedrug
• Album: Pretend You're Alive
• Label: Militia Group
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2004-11-03

Lovedrug is a precarious beast. While upon first listen you think emo is what these guys from Ohio are all about but then after a couple listens, songs like the very pop oriented "Rocknroll" start to stick in your head like only perfect pop tracks can. Now remember that I had to listen to Pretend You're Alive 5 times before these revelations took place. The band likes to utilize the piano in many songs and to many people these days, piano is passe. But then they rock out like Radiohead on "Pandamoranda". Really, this listen is indeed that diverse. They tend to sit a little closer in the realm occupied by Snow Patrol or even Muse for that matter. It seems that Lovedrug are preparing for the stadiums even though they are playing much smaller venues right now. Michael Shepard had the kind of voice that aches with pretty much every breath, almost childlike but it proves to be perfect for Lovedrug's cinematic style. Like I said, there are times where he does resemble Thom Yorke but Shepard is not that limited. Listen to the way they leave us with the album closer, "Paper Scars". It is a gentle piano ballad that is achingly beautiful. I think Lovedrug will get to the stadiums, with plenty of hard-work and touring, the world will get to hear this band and Lovedrug will benefit from the experience.

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