The Quadrangle

Issue date: 4/5/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment

The interview with the band Livintrust is conducted via conference call from the confines of Jamba Juice. Yet it was almost unnecessary, for their new album, "BlindDrive" more than speaks for itself. Its tracks veritably burst with an energy that only fresh bands, unspoiled by the demands of an increasingly commercial music industry possess. Signing with independent label One6One Records helps them to retain such freedom, something of which they are well aware.

They have more than earned such a contract, too. The modern rock group, formed seven years ago by Loomer and Caro, went through many transitions before finally coalescing their sound and members with the addition of Wade and Christopher. The band cultivates a decided air of mystery, keeping even the meaning of their name to themselves.

The songs of the Connecticut-based group, who got their start in the New Haven music scene, have enjoyed heavy radio and Internet play. Their fan base is fast growing; as of now, they are the most popular band on MySpace.com, where their album is also available to download.

Their music, similar to Incubus's and Audioslave's, is emotionally charged, due to both the lyrics' confessional nature and the heavy bass, power guitar and energetic drumming.

As for the vocals, they have a charismatic quality that is entirely due to the lead singer. Mr. Loomer's vocal versatility is best showcased on such tracks as "Weapon" and "We Are In," where he croons and screams in turn.

There is an honesty in his voice that is laid bare as he sings such verses as, "And I drown myself with this wine to help me get away from it all / While I'm gasping for reality, on skinless knees I crawl, yes I crawl," from the song "Fall."

The lyrics alternate between unflinching expressions of feeling and poetic metaphors that sometimes confuse in their ambiguity and syntax. Sometimes, the music doesn't quite fit the words, either.

There is, admittedly, deliberate irony in the fact that phrases such as "cynical sociopath" and "condescending pompous asshole," in the song, "Sorry," are sung with a quiet, matter-of-fact tone instead of screamed out to the world. Loomer has a habit of extending a word far past its syllabic limit, however, holding it on the same note as if he needed it as musical filler.

Still, these are minor irritants that barely register as one listens to the well-crafted "BlindDrive."

Loomer and Caro said that their musical process, their inspiration, works by, "adding new guitar play." They "come up with an idea and develop them [first] guitar-wise and capitalize on that."

Continued...

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