Bands that mix quirkiness with depth are a hard thing to come by. Luckily that’s just what Ludo does best.
Ludo’s first major-label album, “You’re Awful, I Love You,” combines crazy lyrics with catchy pop. Ludo works to keep your attention … and succeeds.
The album contains 12 tracks, each one having a completely different feel to it. While the actual music is good on all of the songs, it’s the lyrics that show off the talent of the band.
“Topeka” is a great example of this. It’s one of the first acoustic songs on the album, which helps to catch the listener’s attention. While the first three songs are more energetic and humorous, “Topeka” serves as the contrast. Containing some of my favorite lyrics on the album, such as “Every saint has a past/Every sinner has a future,” “Topeka” is the one song I put on repeat.
“Topeka” isn’t the only gem on “You’re Awful, I Love You.” “Lake Pontchartrain” tells the story of three friends who travel to a lake, only to discover that it comes to life and snatches away two of the friends. Strange, I know. While it may sound like something off of a Halloween soundtrack, Ludo somehow manages to add an intangible charm to the song, making it a favorite.
As I listen to the songs, I can’t help but think, “What a strange mix.” It’s that weirdness, though, that makes Ludo stand out from other contemporary artists.
Songs like “Go-Getter Greg,” a tune about a guy who is determined to make his new neighbor his girlfriend, add an originality that is a breath of fresh air in an age where top pop teens dominate the radio. Although I personally think Greg sounds creepy watching his new neighbor, I still find the song fun.
Human-eating lakes and neighbor-stalking men may manage to ride that fine line between fun and insane; however, “The Horror of Our Love” loses its balance slightly. The a cappella vocals are beautiful, yet despite their beauty, they can’t mask the gore factor of the lyrics. Lead singer Andrew Volpe calmly sings to his love, “I will eat you slowly.” Beware, kids: You need a strong stomach to handle these lyrics.
Ludo reminds me of the type of band I would wait three hours in line to see live. They are full of energy, fun and talent — the perfect combination for a concert.
With such unique, amazing work on this album, Ludo is one band to get anyone out of a music rut.
If you need a break from the norm (And don’t we all?), check out Ludo’s “You’re Awful, I Love You.” It’s one CD that will keep you thinking.
Kendal (Gapinski) Kloiber 