Pretend You're Alive

Album Review

I overheard a conversation between a professional writer and an artist once. The artist went on to say to the writer that the only way to write an honest review was to view the art once, then write. I thought to myself, what if the piece was full of extraordinary complexity? The only honest response a writer could give would be that of confusion.

Lovedrug's Pretend You're Alive was immediately taken out of my stereo after the initial hearing, and a full review was written. The review was nothing special. I gave the record a mediocre score and didn't go into too much critique. Then I emailed the publicist, Paul at The Militia Group:

Paul,
I really like Brandtson's new album. It's been in my headphones all week. I'm afraid Lovedrug might not get the same high marks though. Your thoughts on their album?

He responds:

Kazy,
I think Lovedrug is amazing, to be honest with you. It is one of those records that you have to give a few spins to fully get. Hit me back with your opinion and plans.

I give it a few more spins, each time finding new musical intricacies to pick apart and develop in my ears. More and more lyrical and musical moments resonated in my ears. They would overlap into other songs, making me repeat tracks to pick apart each moment. Artistic integrity is evident in each track.

I'll try to wrap my head around this: religious, affecting, and healing. But still I'm not satisfied with these adjectives. This album is one of the most powerful, beautiful, and genuine albums to come out of this overcrowded music scene in the past five years. Lovedrug was floating around the independent scene for two years before being offered major-label money, but turned it down out of dignity and respect for the business. It's appreciated because The Militia Group has allowed Lovedrug the freedom to be artists more so than musicians.

Pretend You're Alive allows the listener to feel alone with no outside interference. The only stimulus is comfort, hidden inside layer upon layer of difficult, complex, and beautiful music. Their humility and imperfections in some tracks make the album seem that much more humble and complete. Lovedrug is a simple enigma, yet not simple enough to ever understand. It's that incomprehensible desire that leaves me wanting more.

Review by Kazy Brown — Decoy Music

Another Perspective

"In Red" opens the album promisingly enough: airy guitars and synths floating over a seductive, rock-disco beat lead you to believe that you're witnessing the second coming of Simple Minds in the guise of this Ohio quartet. Then leader Michael Shepard opens his mouth and you come to your senses. His high-register whine recalls the most irritating traits of Billy Corgan and Tim DeLaughter of Tripping Daisy/The Polyphonic Spree, and the song's melody repeats insipidly, never really taking off.

Unfortunately, that's only the least of Pretend You're Alive's problems. Although the music is well-played and impeccably produced, Shepard's lyrics are so precious and pretentious, you wonder if even he believes what he's singing. That's not such a problem when the music is as crisp and concise as it is on "Rocknroll." "Spiders" barely gets away with its cute metaphors ("I'd be happy if you shared your web with me"), but what about convoluted lines like "I believe in the search of the fawn / the forest creatures wild, but so am I" from "Radiology," or "You gotta pull stars down to be someone" from "Angels With Enemies"? Just what exactly is a "Pandamoranda," anyway? Add an overdose of lumbering piano ballads (the title track is almost sappy enough for Celine Dion), and the combination is deadly.

Review by Chris Kriofske — Splendid

A Third Perspective

Out of Ohio comes one of the most unique and hauntingly intriguing albums of the year. Reminiscent of Remy Zero and Ours, Lovedrug's abstract lyrics are equally captivating and complemented perfectly by the band's strong musicianship. Formed in June of 2002, Lovedrug is the brainchild of Michael Shepard and Adam Ladd.

The lyrics and distinct vocals of Shepard are what truly set the band apart, especially on some of the piano ballads that find the band at its strongest. Most notable is the current single "Spiders," which has brilliantly crafted lyrics and a perfect melody for Shepard's higher-pitched vocals. The band also impresses on tracks like "Rocknroll" and "Blackout," both of which showcase the band's strong musicianship.

For fans of this style of music, Lovedrug is definitely a solid choice. Lovedrug may be hard-pressed to gain a strong mainstream following from such an abstract album, but that by no means should take away from what the band has accomplished on this record.

Review by Chad — Alternative Addiction