Search - Lake Trout :: Not Them You

Sonic film noir

Guinevere | 10/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I originally wrote this in early Sept. for possible publication by an online music mag, but apparently since no one ever officially submited this release to the mag for review, the following was never published. So here it is in less than 400 words:



If you're a newcomer to the music of Baltimore's Lake Trout, you might be immediately tempted to envision episodes of Phish-y jams. It's too bad the band's moniker lends itself to such misconceptions, but if there are any lingering doubts as to whether or not Lake Trout should be left under the "jam band" category, their fifth studio release, Not Them You, should easily dispel them.



Similar to its predecessor, Another One Lost, Not Them You opens with a spine-tingling sound effect segue into distorted guitar. In this case, the first few guitar notes and percussionist strokes of the opener "Shiny Wrapper" are like pinpricks to the skin which have the edgy quality of raising the hairs on the back of one's neck before launching into an onslaught of sound so thick Ranere's echoed vocals, at times, barely break through, while songs like "Now We Know" and "Have You Ever" cut to the chase with a driving, direct force. Another song, "If I Can," begins with a distant succession of wavering, schizoid vocals and several solitary guitar notes, followed by the chorus, before bursting into full drum, bass, and guitar ensemble, and songs such as the brief, slightly Tortoise-esque "II" satisfy the flute-laced, purely instrumental requisites that signify almost every Lake Trout album. "Honey" serves as the single, stripped-down acoustic tune, and Ranere's words seem to literally drip off his tongue as he croons and strums along.



In a nutshell, if Another One Lost could be characterized as a sonic film noir, Not Them You would be its avant-garde sequel. Experimentally dark, intense, and climactic, it picks up the pace from where its predecessor leaves off while dropping some of the ethereal, more delicate vocals that Another One Lost seems to carry. In fact, whether flatly wailing on songs like "Peel" or glumly grappling with defeat on others, such as "King," Ranere frequently sounds both defiant and disheartened, a feature which coincides with the album's apparent lyrical storyboard. But for what little it lacks in airy, strung-out vocals, it makes up for in grounded, densely layered drum `n' bass and heavy, hard rockin' guitar, which in light of their ever-evolving repertoire begs the question: exactly which genre does Lake Trout belong to? Ultimately, Not Them You is an epic "Riddle" that leaves one pondering.

"

Top notch tunes

0=0 | Earth | 09/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes! Lake Trout are back in a real big way! I fist discovered these guys upon visiting Pittsburgh for a weekend and reading a local paper describing their music. I didn't realize what a surprise I was in for that evening. First off, these guys put out fantastic studio albums (these past couple have been amazing), but seeing them live is a whole other experience.



When I first discovered Lake Trout about five years ago and saw 'em every chance I could, I loved their "peaks and valleys" approach where songs would go from very atmospheric, almost shoegaze stylings, to super human drum and bass jazz workouts. These guys started out as a sort of "hybrid" group working in a more instrumental, dare I say jam band fashion. Fortunately they didn't become another Phish and instead went into an altogether different direction. When I was first seeing them I noticed fewer and fewer tie-dyed hippie types swirling around at shows, while a much more varied audience started paying attention. I think their storming rendition of the Cure's "A Forest" at the end of many of their shows made it clear they weren't another replecement band for lost Deadheads. These guys also drew in a lot of drum and bass heads because of their amazing drum and bass stylings at live shows. Fortunately they didn't pigeonhole themselves into that category either and instead managed to write some of the greatest songs known to rock today. However, Lake Trout aren't just any rock band. These guys expertly manage to create a soundworld where haunting horns and robotic rhythms merge with deep funk basslines, searing guitars, and bombastic drumming. In a sense, Lake Trout are a category unto themselves. It's due time for people to start listening up. Don't hesitate to pick up "Not Them You" if you like great, daring, quality music."

There are two releases -get the right one for you

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 03/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Not Them, You" album is amazing. It is contemporary rock at its finest. The music is dark and psychedelic. The mood can range from rockin' to mellow. Lake Trout is a band that has great song writing abilities and expressive improvisational abilities. Depending on the time period and a given song, the band moves effortlessly between straight rock and jazz infused jamband. "Not Them You" showcases the alt-rock sound and minimizes the improvisational excursions. Highlights include 'Shiny Wrapper,' 'Pill' and 'Riddle.' While 'Systematic Self' became one of this reviewer's all-time favorites, the album pays for itself with the Rolling Stones' 'Street Fighting Man.' For me, this has been one of those albums that I've probably played hundreds of times.



Unless you already own the American release of "Not Them You," purchase the import without hesitation. Is the purchase worth the thirty dollar price if you already have the traditional release? That depends on how much the listener predicts he will enjoy the bonus disc. Entitled "There Are No Words," it plays one of the band's instrumental sets. In terms of mood and sound, it fits the vibe of the corresponding LP. While the main disc features Lake Trout's song driven studio material, the bonus disc goes in the opposite direction. Here the group stretches out like a jamband in a live environment. In this respect, it sounds more like Big in Japan, a Lake Trout side project. None of the jams are amazing, but Lake Trout wasn't going for catchy hooks and anthem guitar riffs; the bonus disc fits more of an ambient vibe. The contrast between the two discs helps to create a balanced and thus complete product thanks to the UK release."