Sam Roberts Band
Lo-Fantasy
Reviewed by: Melissa Komar
Lo-Fantasy, the fifth full length album released by Sam Roberts and band mates, but second under their new moniker, features eleven [twelve if you count the vinyl-only song] tracks spanning three to five minutes, all which will leave you dancing from the moment you hear the guitar and percussion of opening track “Shapeshifters”.
The rhythms are contagious and the lyrics are down-right catchy as Roberts implores, “We’re all in this together, so keep moving, don’t stop, don’t stop,” on the second track, “We’re All in This Together”. By “Metal Skin”, you’ll feel as if you joined an 80s dance party and feel the need to “run with the animals…shed my metal skin…forget everything.”
“Metal Skin” also signifies a change in tempo and rhythm, with the first few tracks of the album being more rock. “Too Far”, “Never Enough”, and “Chasing the Light” might not be as upbeat, but will still keep you swaying in time with the music. A handful of tracks end with more experimental guitar chords, showing there is definitely more to the band than simply rock and dance.
I found myself thinking I was caught somewhere between the upbeat dance tempo of the Scarface soundtrack and almost heard a hint of Tom Petty in Roberts’ vocals. Concluding track “Golden Hour” is absolutely golden, weaving along in a fashion, if only a bit slower, reminiscent of 90s rock songs like Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping”.
You’ll be bobbin’ and weavin’ too much to notice the album’s over, so don’t worry about skipping tracks. You’ll definitely “have a fever under” your skin and the only cure is another dose of Lo-Fantasy.
Rating: Bad-Ass
