Gifted Children [CD, 2008]

First off, the opening track “MC Kenney” is one of those annoying vocal-only introductions.  At 35 seconds, it’s a throwaway; likely an inside joke.  But once you get past that, Levy On The Eyeway is a surprising ride.  The true opener is “Dead Kiss”, a song that begins with a pointed key riff but quickly dives into a loud, blaring punk-ish track… and it’s pretty freakin’ good.

 

Loto Ball Show, then, fits the category of bands like Kickball and Wet Confetti.  The trumpets draw comparison to the unfortunately defunct Seattle experimental post punkers Automaton Adventure Series (later, they droped a few words to simply be Automaton).  “I Can See Your Blue Eyes” doesn’t necessarily take the album up a notch, but it’s noteworthy nonetheless.

One also gets the distinct impression that Loto Ball Show has a special affinity for Old Time Relijun.  (What other band blends classic wild punk songs with orchestration?)  This namely comes via some crazy saxophone playing, though also heard are trumpets, keyboards and maybe a few other instruments.  “Poseidon Waltz” and “Oriental Danzig” are instrumental tunes, showing the band’s diversity in songwriting—not many bands can pull off a post-punk instrumental. 

The rest of Levy On The Eyeway continues what “Dead Kiss” and “I Can Be Your Eyes” started: the tunes are packed with wild percussion, blaring trumpets and screeching saxophones.  The guitar riffs are loud and distorted, and the vocals are indistinctly indecipherable.  This album is proof that one should not discount albums that come in those narrow CD sleeves. 

EXPERIENCE

 

Loto Ball Show: I Can Be Your Eyes [mp3]

 

Loto Ball Show: Dead Kiss [mp3]

 

 

Loto Ball Show: Homepage

 

Loto Ball Show: MySpace