| Musical Style: Hard Rock | Produced By: Tim Bushong |
| Record Label: Roxx Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 11 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 52:14 |
What would you get if you mated King's X style progressiveness with the commercial accessibility to hair metal? Probably something very much like Lovewar, which on its 1993 Pakaderm Records debut Soak Your Brain could easily fall under a heading of metal or hard rock (akin to the latter) if it were not for its musical variances - groove, funk, blues, soul - and use of Beatlesque vocal harmonies (in ode to the former). Heaven's Metal in its review of the album back in the day suggested Lovewar is what would happen if Winger went in the studio with King’s X songs’, while No Life Til Metal simply described the group as a ‘mixture of King’s X with Extreme commercialism’.
What does Angelic Warlord think? We think highly enough of Soak Your Brain to rank it number 23 in our countdown of (what in our opinion is) the top 50 albums of the 90's. A review, however, is pending re-release of the album to force our hand (hint, hint re-issue labels!).
So whatever happened to Lovewar? Following the release of Soak Your Brain the group drifted into obscurity but not before composing 11 songs intended for a second album that never materialized. Fast forward twenty-five years and the group - consisting of original member's guitarist and vocalist Tim Bushong, drummer Greg Purlee and bassist Rick Armstrong - reformed and launched a successful crowd funding campaign, which led to its Roxx Records spring of 2019 self-titled sophomore album to feature the 11 songs in question.
So how does Lovewar compare to Soak Your Brain? Very favorably, but also reflecting the type of musical growth most bands make between their first and second albums, not that Soak Your Brain is in any way inferior (if we put together a review it would be in the 85% to 90% range). Separating it is how Lovewar features the punchier guitar sound (most songs are home to the type of engaging and hard hitting riffs as to be jaw dropping) and even catchier chorus hooks (keeping in mind Soak Your Brain is by no means bland). Hence, the manner in which I like to define Lovewar circa 2019 as 'funky to groove based heaviness with a hard rocking edge'.
That might be the best way to describe opener "Who I Am". The song embodies grooving bass for its initial verse sections - as a becoming funk quality presents - which gives way to the driving guitars that push forward to the heavyset 'I'm who I am, not what I do. Not what I do, but who I am' refrain. Cool bass and guitar interplay fill things out instrumentally.
"Stand Under It" further defines the Lovewar sound. It takes a decided melodic hard rock heading, revealed in guitars not quite as heavy but more consistent throughout and the groups renowned layered vocal melodies acquiescing said Beatlesque effect. Two songs in and it is good to hear that vocalist Tim Bushong has not lost anything with his distinct mid-ranged style.
"Upside Your Face" proves Lovewar are not afraid to flex its muscles, as found in the resounding guitars with a driving metal edge to furrow its distance. Yet, a contrasting calmer element manifests in the funky to groove based bass lines, noting the work of Rick Armstrong. I appreciate how at a moments notice the song drifts between each side of the heavier to lighter fence.
Another slammer reveals in "Candle". It brings bass and guitar interplay that is near mesmerizing - even more so than "Upside Your Face" - with the gist the booming low end to impart the verse sections and subtly inbred aggression hovering over the hard charging refrain. Bushong's vibrant lead guitar takes over instrumentally.
"Grain Of Salt" trends towards melodic hard rock with a funk inclining. The Lovewar smoothly flowing vocal melodies induce things forward, further accenting the intermittent lower register overtures and outbursts of heavier rocking rhythm guitars. An extended fusion jam carries the instrumental interlude.
"Tuxedo Alligator" - of the albums most creative song title - proves laid back and easy going with its thickly woven (almost blues drenched) bass vestiges. The plodding impetus only briefly elevates for the forthright guitars to lead the way to the refrain reflecting even further upon the melancholic. Interestingly, a guitar riff to make periodic appearance that reminds of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" further elevates the bluesy aspects.
Maintaining the mid-paced focus is "One-Trick Pony", which stands out as a joyous celebration of catchy guitar melodies interwoven with the deeply rooted Lovewar vocal harmonies to create an infections effect. Heaviness understates, as found in the reverberating low end and heightened instrumental moments. I further appreciate the jam band flavorings at the end to help carry it out to near seven minutes.
"House Of Cards" represents albums most relaxed. It reflects a decided King's X edge, reinforcing its bountiful vocal qualities, but also touches upon the soulful, revealed in the emotionally done stretch of lead guitar. The type of heavy hitting riff presence might be lacking - at least compared to some here - but the ever-present Lovewar hook penchant puts things over the top all the same.
Groove based funk rocker "Mercy" elevates heaviness. Impressing at once of the blues, it features a gritty guitar opening but soon progresses to a slithering bass line, peaking for the brilliantly done 'I need mercy in my consciousness. I need mercy over all the rest. I need mercy down into my bones. I need grace and mercy' refrain. Guitars further churn for the unabashed instrumental moments.
The ominous feedback to start "Up For A Fight" gives way to the trouncing guitars that turn it into a rousing hard rocker. The song mirthfully emanates its remaining distance, exuding the type of youthful energy to elevate monster hooks but also not backing from the signature dazzling layered backing vocals. This one has made for radio written all over it.
Appropriately, Lovewar ends to its most reserved track, "You". Guitars might not dominate in the same fashion as albums heavier material, as found in a moody mid-paced demeanor that is more heavy rock as opposed to the driving hard rock of that which precedes. Quality, nevertheless, does not diminish in that chorus delivers the laid-back hooks, while a jam based feel manifests in the closing instrumental moments.
Production is a thing of beauty with a near perfect blend of underpinning bass, lighter to heavier guitars (as the need calls) and the group's graceful backing vocals. Packaging, on the other hand, could use some detail in that cover art is on the plain side (at least compared to Soak Your Brain), while I wish that the single fold out insert had been expanded to include lyrics.
Quality to Lovewar is such that it sounds as if the group regained at once the momentum of its early nineties prime and literally not missed a beat. If the album saw release in follow up to Soak Your Brain around 1995, nobody would think twice, at least in light of how it brings so many great riffs, engaging hooks and catchy melodies. Match this with the Lovewar still relevant youthful vigor and obvious talent, and it makes for a win-win combination. Thanks to Roxx Records for allowing Lovewar to happen- if the group has additional songs sitting around, they are strongly encouraged to record them!
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Who I Am” (5:22), “Stand Under It” (4:19), “Upside Your Face” (4:24), “Candle” (4:18), “Grain Of Salt” (3:55), “Tuxedo Alligator” (4:32), “One-Trick Pony” (6:42), “House Of Cards” (4:44), “Mercy” (4:46), “Up For A Fight” (4:01), “You” 5:12)
Musicians
Tim Bushong - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Rick Armstrong - Bass
Greg Purlee - Drums
