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The Lips- Self-Titled
When listening to The Lips for the first time it sounds like an array of musicians are playing guitars, drums, and their lead singer has such a unique voice. And then with further research, it’s hard to believe, but The Lips is in fact a one man band.
Anthony Laido from Oakland, New Jersey wrote the lyrics, plays all the music, and produced the entire album. Laido’s self-titled full length album The Lips was released in May, 2012, and then he released two more tracks in June, 2012 on Liar Just Like Me (B-Side).
Make sure she’s okay.
‘Cause she ain’t okay.
Okay? Okay.
Make sure she’s okay.
I think by now she’s my new girlfriend.
My sex appeal, yeah, here’s a new trend.
Style and clothes so far out of my reach.
I’ve covered my life with my own bleach.
The Lips opens with “Bleach.” It’s a very quick song, but you get a feel for how the album will sound. A strong guitar plays throughout the entire album and Laido’s voice sounds a little stressed, but it works with the above lyrics. At the very end of the song you may think it’s over, but you can hear an echo of Laido singing “Make sure she’s okay.” It’s like a hidden treasure that might be overlooked if you listen fast.
In the beginning of “Keys Open Doors” you can hear voices, like a band is about to start practicing. And then this amazing electric bass guitar rift starts that some could say is repetitive, but it gives a groove to the song. When there is a musical break in the song it always comes back. Laido’s voice sounds more mellow that in other songs, but it’s just as powerful.
Even though the The Lips Facebook reads, “All of our songs sound the same,” most listeners will beg to differ. Each song sounds different from the last and keeps listeners guessing what will come next.
Here are a few questions I asked Laido.
ES: Tell me a little bit about your background in music and how your music began.
AL: My music began with an old band with an old childhood friend in which we tried some punk/experimental music. I thought we sucked until we won over 20 songwriting awards worldwide including 7 wins for Vh-1. I still thought our music sucked, so I quit the band before moving to London. I started “The Lips” in 2010 shortly after experimenting with electronic music, and released an album called “A Generation in a Jar.” The reception was good, and so were the sales, so I figured I should start being more serious and submit to labels. I then signed with awesome “Little Heart Records” in Louisville, Kentucky, and released my debut album, self-titled on May 29th.
ES: What’s it like being in a one man band?
AL: It’s AWESOME being a one man band, mainly because there is only one mind to deal with. Let’s be honest. Most musicians are way too f***ing arrogant and moody, and I don’t know if I can deal with anyone except myself. So I write, produce and occasionally play shows alone (although most shows are two-pieces due to a drummer). I aim to keep it that way!
ES: What artists are you influenced by and if could perform with anyone who would it be?
AL: It’s funny. I don’t think I have any artists that inspire me to write or try to aim for success. I just love sound. Any form of sound influences me, good or bad. But if I could play or meet anyone, I’d go back in time and chill out with Bradley Nowell of “Sublime.” He’s a dope songwriter and he seemed like a cool dude.
ES: Are you playing any live shows soon?? If they are in Jersey I could totally go, because I live in South Jersey.
AL: I actually just ended a tour just basically running through the Tri-state area last month. We played a ton in New York City, and now I’m taking a break on shows until the fall. However, you should definitely check out 105.5 WDHA in New Jersey on August 27th at 5 p.m., because I am doing a live interview and acoustic set thanks to my man Bryan Puckett at Little Heart.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars!
Album Name: The Lips
Genres: Indie/Punk/Surf
Location: Oakland, NJ
Band Members: Anthony M. Laido – all
Date Album Released: May, 2012
Label: Little Heart Records
Website: wearethelips.bandcamp.com
Pure Volume: www.purevolume.com/wearethelips
Myspace: www.myspace.com/wearethelips
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wearethelips
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This entry was posted in 2012, 3.5/5 Stars, Albums & Singles, Artists, Cover Story, Featured, Genre, Indie Rock, Interviews, Local, May, Media, New Jersey, News, North America, Oakland, Punk, Rating, Release Date, Reviews, The Lips, United States and tagged A Generation in a Jar, Anthony Laido, Bradley Nowell, Bryan Puckett, Liar Just Like Me (B-Side), Little Heart Records, Sublime, The Lips, VH-1. Bookmark the permalink.
