Bloody Lovelies fall short

By Nate Seltenrich

Let there be no question about it: The piano saves The Bloody Lovelies' debut album, "Some Truth and a Little Money," from utter mediocrity. The Lovelies are a pop/rock band whose music is driven by a piano, and without it, they'd be just another pop/rock band. As unremarkable as their approach to "roots" rock and "garage" pop is, it's worthy of some attention and maybe even an occasional listen due to their decision to give the piano top billing in most of their song arrangements.

Imagine walking into a bar in some Southern city â€" say, Baton Rouge or Savannah. Despite their name, The Bloody Lovelies aren't British at all â€" in reality they have that sort of southern charm and swing that would allow them to fit into any such city. Anyway, you walk in to the bar and first hear the deep soulful whine of lead singer Randy Wooten's voice. Then the gritty, exuberant guitar of Lance Konnerth. You think, I dig this band, and can I get a Jack and Coke?

While you're sipping on your drink, which the cute bartender made extra stiff, you decide to check out the band and see that the lead singer is sitting behind a piano. He sings while he plays, his fingers on the piano keys actually dictating the song's rhythm â€" the bassist (Eric Holden) and drummer (Craig Macintyre) seem to be following the piano's lead! Amazing! You dance, and sweat, and drink, and dance-. Piano! Imagine!

That's The Bloody Lovelies at their very best. On a studio album, with no rousing visuals of Wooten rockin' behind the piano, no cigarette smoke in the air, no cute bartenders in the corner of your eye, the Lovelies aren't quite that fun. The piano is nice, refreshing, and different, but take it away, and you've got a lackluster lite rock record with a hesitant eye to the past, unabashed pop overtones, and just not enough depth.

The piano may be a potent instrument, but I'm not going to hang my taste for a band on it. Really, isn't that what the guitar is for?

Grade: B-

û Contact Nate Seltenrich at (408) 554-4546 or nseltenrich@scu.edu.