steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Loretta

"The Translation" CD

Benchmark Records

Genres: indie rock, indie pop 

Dec 13 - 19 2004

Loretta continuously get billed as a Radiohead rip-off, but there's more of a rock angle on display on The Translation.  Instead of self-obsessed pretension and fruitless experimentation, Loretta brings us eleven infectious rock songs.  Sure, it's hard not to notice the frequent similarities to Thom Yorke and co, but there's enough content here to satisfy the average listener.  "The Morning After" and "Collide" are exceptionally moving pop songs (both nab Yorke's vocal style, but thankfully use it to good effect.)  "Stolypin Neckties" and "Foe," meanwhile, are passionate, infectious rock tunes not far removed from "epic" status.  A few of the songs, like "Sinking Ships" and "Adonais," are particularly mediocre and uninteresting, but that sort of thing is excusable for a new band.  

Loretta could certainly use a bit of a fresher concept (though the rockier Radiohead formula will probably carry them for awhile).  As well, some of the longer songs on this disc could be shortened.  However, for a debut album, this makes for an entertaining and long-lasting listen.

81%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 11 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2003]