Loveblast Loveblast
by Alex Barbieri
Staff Writer
Imagine yourself back in high school. A friend gives you an unknown band’s demo tape in the hall. On the bus ride home, you pop it into your Walkman and are blown away by what you hear. The group quickly becomes your favorite new band. Fast-forward to 2010. For many fans of ‘80s-inspired hard rock, Loveblast’s self-titled CD will conjure up the same feelings of excitement and loyalty.
Hailing from Carol Stream, IL, the band is described on their Facebook page as “hard-hitting, ass-kicking rock ‘n roll.” The first song, “Harder and Faster,” proves the descriptor correct. The next track, “Headspin,” keeps the energy high and offers up a head-spinning solo courtesy of Spadavecchia. On “Give It All,” the call and answer vocals recall “Lips and Hips” by Electric Boys. It sounds as though more than one person in the band sings, which probably makes for a strong live show. “Goodbye My Darling” is the stand-out ballad. Its bluesy Strat and R&B vocal intro reminds of Rik Emmett’s cleaner work with Triumph. “Hungry” closes out the album and sounds like it could be the fist-pumping, inspirational music bed for an ESPN highlight reel.
Loveblast are sometimes endearingly cliché, but their youthful exuberance and top-notch musicianship keep it convincing. They are a young band, with no one over age 25. In “Things That Bite,” Durbin sings “I’m a sleazy, livin’ easy, I’m a menace. A bad boy eatin’ blonds for breakfast.” Because of Durbin’s rocker-cutie good looks and cock sure attitude, it’s believable. (One suspects a Loveblast show is full of hip-shaking barely-legals. Blastettes?)
There are some diverse influences on offer here, from early ‘80s speed metal to new millennium alterna-pop bands like Lifehouse and The Calling. Durbin, the main songwriter, also shows off some 60s’ Motown mojo with his background oohs and aahs. This motley cocktail of influences may turn off some traditionalists, but offers open-minded listeners more to sink their teeth into.
Loveblast’s debut is a strong first effort brimming with young puppy energy ala early Def Leppard. The production is a little muddy and arrangements can ramble, however, and next time out, they could benefit from some production refinement. But if this is Loveblast’s OnThrough the Night, their next full-length may be their High ‘N Dry. We shall see. If it was 1990, Loveblast would likely explode as Trixter did. But, alas, it is 2010, and Loveblast will probably continue to build a cult following in and around Chi-Town. Mainstream radio’s loss is our gain, though, and Loveblast looks destined to become one of hard rock’s new fan favorites. Go ahead, show ‘em some love.
Loveblast’s debut album can be ordered for just $9.99 US here.
Genre: Hard Rock
Band:
Brian Durbin – Lead Vocals, Guitars
Alex Spadavecchia – Guitars, Backup Vocals
Danny Clayton – Bass, Backup Vocals
Mike Prost – Drums (Recently replaced by Bobby Fields)
Track Listing:
1. Harder & Faster
2. Headspin
3. Got a Feelin’
4. Far Too Long
5. Lonely Winter
6. Things That Bite
7. Give It All
8. Out For Blood
9. Shoot You With My Love
10. Goodbye My Darling
11. Hungry
Label: Unsigned
Web:
http://www.facebook.com/loveblastrock
http://www.myspace.com/loveblastrock
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10