The Deal: San Diego rockers return with sophomore album, follow-up to The Best Little Secrets are Kept.
The Good: There’s something to be said for bands that almost defy every category out there. A band that tries to tread new ground and create their own niche in the vast array of musical genres. Louis XIV aims to do that and, for the most part, is successful in their efforts. Moments of strings (“Air Traffic Control”), odd vocal stylings (“Guilt By Association”) and other unique characteristics lead the band’s music into their own realm. At one moment they’ll sound like some kind of Brit-pop, the next track will sound more like classic metal and a following song will be more like retro rock.
The Bad: The album grows on you with each listen but there seems to be a lack of the “wow” factor. I have many moments of “that was pretty good” or “I kinda liked that,” but never a “you’ve got to check this out” or “that was a great riff/lyric/song,” etc.
The Verdict: Louis XIV has a unique, polarizing approach to music that will draw some listeners in and drive others away. It may not even be as extreme as love/hate as much as “they’re OK”/”I’m not a fan.” The band will perform at Amos’ Southend on March 11.
This article appears in Mar 12-18, 2008.
