The Lodger are an energetic boy-boy-girl three-piece that hail from the bustling scene in North England that spawned both the Kaiser Chiefs and the Arctic Monkeys. Their new album “Grown Ups” sounds like a modern day Buzzcocks with the lyrical style of incorporating social/relationship commentary into pop songs that bands like Maximo Park, and to a greater extent The Smiths, have made their trademark. While their songs are poppy and fun, after repeated listenings they reveal themselves to be more than fun freak outs. There is significant substance underneath their shimmery surface. For example, the song “Kicking Sand” buzzes along with a clean sound that is immediately dance-able, but the song itself is about not taking those little trip ups that happen to us all too seriously and getting back at it, whatever it is. The band uses a carefully calculated variety of instrumentation that includes guitars, bass, drums and the occasional nudge from a synthesizer or piano. The Lodger provide perhaps the best example of unruly punk fun that possesses a dignified stateliness at the same time. This is due to the uniquely calm and composed vocals of Ben and the consistently fun inventive beats from Katie. I usually take hyped up bands from England with a grain of salt, but these guys really have that special spark, that heart, that makes them more than just another British rock band. Their drummer is cute too, so that’s also a plus.
MP3 – The Lodger – Kicking Sand
MP3 – The Lodger – Many Thanks for Your Honest Opinion
“Let Her Go” Video:
