Lester And The Landslide Ladies - Estranged In Ladyland
Since forming back in 2002, Italian rock quartet Lester And The Landslide Ladies have played over 600 gigs and are not looking to stop now. Their recent release "Estranged In Ladyland" is a raw yet ear catching album, one that pulls together the varying characteristics and interests of the band members and places them into lyrics creating stories and tales developed to catchy rock and roll musical melodies; with the vocals depicting a narrating voice.
The music within this release is mainly upbeat and lively with one reoccurring feature throughout, a central electric guitar solo. It is this feature that stands out more than anything else on each of the individual songs. A good song needs something catchy, something to sing a long to and there are a few of these types of songs on the release, ones that are not only musically enjoyable but lyrically quite creative. However there are a few points of discontentment. On 'Estranged in Ladyland' the vocals lack precision, therefore the repetition of the title in the chorus sounds like a drunken slur. Within 'A Drug I Can't' Deny' the lyrics seem rushed, creating uncertainty at times over what is said. Even once understood there is nothing incredible, with lyrics said rather than expressed with passion.
The lead vocal is slightly reminiscent of Kelley from the Stereophonics with a deeper tone. Distinctive as it may be however, it lacks one imperative element – emotion. This weighty tone deflects emotions coming through, high-pitched notes or elongated lyrics. Even singing lines such as "break my heart right from the start" from 'From The Start' or about losing love in 'Dead and Gone' lacks anything emotive.
Two tracks in particular that did leave some good impressions were 'A Answering Machine', which includes a more sing-along vibe and harmonies and also the closing tune, 'For The Ramones', which is the slowest on the album, at least for the opening minute until rock and roll kicks in; this is the albums most emotive song. Besides these two, there is nothing to be classed as particularly stand out, however each remains an enjoyable listen.