Lotion-IMHO

[Robert Bruno]

I'm not sure what to make of this band that has so enamoured TRP.  After 
listening to their recent CD  at a friends apartment, I've come to the 
realization that Lotion is catchy in an odd sort of way.  A recent blurb 
about Lotion in the VV assumes they are "named for the fluidity with which
their influences - Husker Du, My Bloody Valentine, REM, Player-run 
together.  And never congeal."  To my ears they sound unfocused, like a 
band unsure of its persona: are they cool? nerdy? frat boys?  The lead 
singer (please forgive lack of names) has his voice convenienly buried 
ala Michael Stipe of REM, so you have to strain to hear what he has to 
say.  The guiters occasionally flutter into REM/Byrd-land, and they do 
interject punk into the mix, but they sound like Pynchon writes: coming 
at you from different angles: some vectors head straight and true, others 
veer off into some tangent.  IN all, challenging, confusing, annoying, but 
worth a listen.    There's too much rock
music today that doesn't want to confuse or irritate the listener in the 
hopes of selling a few more CDs. (Hootie fans should not enjoy "Nobody's 
Cool") Here's hoping that Lotion bends a few more ears.

Rob