Lodger is new Finnish band formed around the dual talents of singer-songwriter Teemu Merila and bassist/lyricist Hannes Hayha. Thanks to notoriety stirred up in Europe by their award-winning videos and interactive website, the band was quickly snagged by U.S. label Rykodisc to release their full-length debut Hi-Fi High Lights Down Low. Much like its title, the album itself is an earful, brimming with stacks of overdubbed guitars, electronic textures, and soulless drum samples over what is essentially a meat-and-potatoes indie rock backdrop. Merila’s decidedly flat vocals recall the slacker vibe of Swell or Grandaddy, but with less ambition or acumen. With the exception of more passionate standouts like “24h Candy Machine” and the facetious, upbeat pep of “I Love Death,” most of this record is forgettable, boilerplate indie rock. Hi-Fi High Lights Down Low is not a horrible record by any stretch - the care and detail that went into its production is evident throughout. But with a track like “Ordinary Men Make Ordinary Music”, one is only left to wonder if Lodger is a little too revealing in its true approach or inspiration.
~ Jeff Shelton
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