Lost In Society – Let It Sail

With a name like “Lost In Society,” I had a distinct image of what this band was about: their message, their attitude, their demographic. Their signature art–a picture of a pirate ship on the seas–cemented the image in my head about who this band is. The young, the confused, those who feel they are on a ship without a clear destination–this is who Lost In Society sings to. The fun part, and the most essential, is that they aren’t lamenting all of this as much as embracing it, saying that this it the only way to live, so sail with it and sail hard.

The band as brand name aesthetic is apparent here; there is a pretty good attempt to market sound, personality, and attitude in a tight sellable package. Being definable, accessible, easy to understand–these aren’t bad things, if you do them well, and I’m happy to say Lost In Society does it pretty darn well. The music is fast, fun, earnest, honest, and their spirit–in true punk fashion–is not quite untiring, but definitely restless.

Their newest album, Let It Sail, is certainly a ride. With fun chord progressions and their in-your-face singing style, Let It Sail makes for really good driving music, assuming you’re not one to get overexcited. Lost In Society’s spirit is decidedly punk, hard and careless, and their sound very alternative. Some of the tracks’ instrumentation is refreshingly more Reverend Horton Heat than Green Day, other tracks manage a melodic buildup and slick, lingering resolution; these folks know how to jam.

No one seems to be carrying the ensemble any more than anyone else. The guitar strokes are ragged, sharp, and inevitable, the vocals rough and charming. The rhythm section, meanwhile, isn’t just there to set the tempo. The drums keep the beat, and the bass sets the background, but both make a showing otherwise, the bass especially thriving on a level of its own.

The pacing of the album is fast and furious to start off to clear the way for more thoughtful lyricism. The simple strategy works. The first track, “Gun,” is true to its name–LIS aims, pulls the trigger, and launches the album off fast. “Halloween Song” continues what “Gun” started, but with a more ominous vibe appropriate for the name of the song. The first two tracks keep you seated, so that when the song “I Need You” starts off with “I don’t need a friend, I need you” you’re convinced. As the next track “Scared” asks you, “Are you scared of losing direction?” I wouldn’t be surprised if some listeners answer out loud.

LIS continues to rock throughout, but when they decide to become comtemplative towards the end, they don’t miss a beat. “Waiting Part. II” is one of my favorite songs on the album, my only complaint is that it doesn’t go on for just a little bit longer. On this track, a flowing ballad of instrumentation waltzes along as the singer tells you a gripping story worth listening to. When the song breaks down into a guitar solo that echoes the melody, I conldn’t help but smile–it’s a good and well deserved moment, as is the louder re-entry of the chorus afterwards.

What LIS probably most has going for them is their presence. They know how to make it personal when it counts, how to sing right to the listener, and how to get your attention and keep it. If the energy on their album is any clue to the kind of energy they’d produce live, then a LIS show would be an awesome ride indeed.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars!

Album Name: Let It Sail
Release Date: June, 2012
Genres: Punk / Rock / Alternative
Location: Asbury Park, NJ
Band Members: Zach Moyle – Guitar & Vocals / Nick Ruroede – Bass & Back Vocals / Hector Bonora – Drums
Label: Altercation Records
Website: www.lostinsociety.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lostinsociety

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