Review: Lo-Pan ‘Get Well Soon’

I have to say, I really dig bands who just don’t fit into any particular genre. Sounds and styles that are equally at home with straight-up rock fans through to those who love the heavier end of the spectrum. Lo-Pan is a great example of this kinda beast. I first heard ‘em when I picked up a copy of their Sasquanaut album that Small Stone had just reissued. Killer songs (I particularly loved the closer Wade Garrett!) and some unique styles and tones. The band’s output since has been pretty consistent as well, despite transitioning through a couple of guitarists.

So, Lo-Pan hail from Columbus, Ohio (also the home of Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps; something well worth noting…) and have been hitting stages for 20 years and, guitarists aside, nary a lineup change. Not always the easiest of achievements, but they are, to their credit, still coming up with some great stuff!

The title of the new album, Get Well Soon, is no doubt a reference to drummer Jesse Bartz’s recent fight with cancer and opens with The Good Fight. One thing that struck me from the first time I heard Lo-Pan is Jeff Martin’s vocals. A yelping, howling sorta thing, clean and melodic but never sounding like you may expect. They most definitely bring to mind Dave Yow from The Jesus Lizard and, to a lesser extent, Jello (without the vibrato!). The riffs here are big, and the song rolls on very nicely. Northern Eyes is similar in style, with chunky guitars along with tight and punchy drums before things begin to open out as the song progresses.

I immediately got right into the tense, speedy mood of Wormwood. The atypical chorus style certainly sets it apart in terms of songwriting! Ozymandias (a reference to the Percy Bysshe Shelley poem, mayhaps as I couldn’t make it out from the lyrics?) has a huge sounding intro and follows through with some staccato riffs and tribal drumbeats.

great playing, great songs and cool vibes…

Rogue Wave is a showcase of the powerhouse riffs that Lo-Pan seem to have an endless supply of with the trademark Martin yowling (as opposed to yarling thank FUCK!) blending in perfectly with the tune and sliding some cool melodic elements into the brew. Stay With The Boat (Never get off the boat??) kicks off with some kinda fuzz tone bass and is a behemoth of a tune. Snarly guitars and an overdose on the crunch as well. It’s a true soaring monster of a song.

Gods Favourite Victim hints occasionally at some ‘80s kinda vibes with some subtle chorus kinda thing happening with the guitar before closer, Six Bells, clocks in at an epic-length of eight minutes. Things start slow before taking the listener through a few twisty dance steps of this, mostly mid-paced, riff rock type of tune, with a moody breakdown before winding out with some slick guitar. Cool, cool stuff!

All in all, Get Well Soon is a very satisfying rock and roll album, replete with great playing, great songs and cool vibes.

Label: Magnetic Eye Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: El Jefe