Album Review
Without a doubt, this is the crowning achievement of Francis Albert Lenz. Over the last few years, Lenz has somehow managed to release three solo recordings (The Hot Stuff; Northern Records, 2001 / The Last Temptation of Frank Lenz; self-released, 2002 / Conquest Slaughter; VBM, 2004) while contributing to and producing numerous projects along the way. His current full-time gig is recording with Starflyer 59, and he is the touring drummer for Pedro the Lion. His production skills speak for themselves when you throw in Wayne Everett's Kingsqueens or Map's Secrets by the Highway. The list could go on and on and get quite exhausting. In his genre and circle, it's hard to find an album that doesn't have his name on it.
While a drummer by definition, Frank surprised everyone with the funky soul of The Hot Stuff. His debut record introduced us to Frank Lenz the songwriter, musician, vocalist, and arranger. The whole drum persona is more or less to throw everyone off and dismiss him as a talented but pigeonholed musician in his craft. The Hot Stuff was a stunning musical expression, and Frank even indicated at the time that he didn't really care if he recorded another album as a solo artist. You can't blame him. It was a stellar debut, and he has many artistic opportunities recording with other bands and artists. However, in 2002, Lenz released a batch of songs entitled The Last Temptation of Frank Lenz. These recordings were straight from his living room. Gorgeous Pet Sounds-esque lo-fi. Frank had redefined himself.
Enter February 2005. I am playing his new Conquest Slaughter full-length. Frank Lenz is the current king of indie rock. How could you be in your right mind and deny him? This ten-song album is a slick yet dirty mix of neo-folk and animated, grooving indie rock. That description isn't very definitive, but you're hard pressed to pinpoint Frank on this modern-day masterpiece. The opening “The Man with the Curse on His Head” is gentle and unbelievably infectious. His tenor soars, and at first I was unsure if I put in the right CD. It's almost like he recreated himself especially for this recording. I've read many references to Neil Young, and that name nod is quite fitting. The song slowly blends into “Race Observer.” An acoustic guitar is strummed at a slow to mid tempo, and Frank's fragile voice shakes in the chorus. If nothing else, this is a charming picture of the mighty Lenz. He is both king of macho and king of sensitivity. The re-recording of “Lonely, Handy Chap” is less Elephant 6 and more folk-pop. This is picture-perfect pop in all its glory. And the lyrics only add to the rollicking fun.
The piano-driven, melancholy narrative of “Isoflurane” reminds me of a scaled-down Winners Never Quit-era Pedro the Lion track. The climactic peak of the record is “Circus Cat.” It beautifully flows from “Isoflurane” and slowly builds into a gigantic chorus. Lenz adds a perfect amount of organ and gospel choir effects to inflate the song to the perfect size. The melody of “I Feel Canadian” is the weakest on the album, much to my disappointment, as I had high hopes for the song the second I saw the title on the back of the CD (being from Canada and all). The strongest hooks follow right behind in the tongue-in-cheek “Trevin Family Overdrive.” Lenz proves once again that he can blow up a song whenever he wants to. The smooth vocals on “Conquest Slaughter” bear a vague resemblance to the sound heard on The Hot Stuff. You can hear the grin on Lenz's face. He knows he still is the hot stuff. He knows he owns indie rock. Then comes a subtle nod to Motown and barbershop pop in the incredibly executed “Tree Swinging Hippies.” The keys are graceful, and the vocals are sunglasses-cool. The album finale is “Jesus Take Care of Your Body.”
It's no secret that Lenz has had his fill of CCM, and this song pays tribute to his thoughts on the subject. I'm sure many of his contemporaries love singing along to this one. Great pianos and chug-a-chug instrumentation. The album has plenty of “hip” guitar solos and animated drumming (think scaled-down Flaming Lips), making Conquest Slaughter the perfect blend of current music. Simultaneously simple and stunning. For fans of Elliott Smith, Denison Witmer, the Flaming Lips, Wayne Everett, Richard Swift, etc. Frank, I freaking love you, man.
