Album Review by Morgan Waldorf
Indie band LoveDrug have been making music since 2001. The Canton, Ohio based quartet have put out 10 EPs and 4 full length albums in their 10 years as a band and Wild Blood, their 4th album, doesn’t disappoint for diehard fans or new fans alike. Almost half of the songs in fact are tracks that appeared on the band’s EPs and have been reworked, though you wouldn’t be able to tell considering how smoothly the album flows from beginning to end.
The album starts out strong with the title track “Wild Blood.” With an infectious chorus this song is bound to get stuck in your head after only one listen. “Dinosaurs” is probably the most unique and hardest hitting song on the record with a prominent bass line and a memorable hook (“Fever, drugs, money, blood/ Is it bad for love?”). “Premonition” and “Pink Champagne” keep the record going at a steady pace with more strong hooks and big guitar sound. “Girl” is a melodic acoustic track that’s almost a ballad, perfectly placed in the middle of the record. It’s a stand out track and an absolutely beautiful love song.
The record continues with the song “Ladders.” This track has a feel good, youthful vibe perfect for blasting in the car and singing along. “Great Divide” continues the records mood and fittingly serves as a great dividing track between “Ladders” and “Your Country”. “Your Country” is another full sounding, youthful and inspirational song. “We Were Owls” is a slightly eerie song with rough vocals and a powerful chorus. “Revival” gets ready to close the record with more thumping bass and commanding vocals. “Anodyne” is another highlight which perfectly ends the mood that was set throughout the album. It is beautifully emotional with incredible vocals.
Overall I think anyone can find this album quite enjoyable whether they own all of Lovedrug’s previous EPs and full lengths or this is their first encounter listening to the band. The record seems to flow seamlessly from beginning to end and is easily a record to listen to all the way through without skipping a single track. Singer Michael Shepard’s distinct vocals as well as the big sound create a wonderful and inspiring mood for the record.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Website: http://www.lovedrugmusic.com/
