Brooklyn-based Lola Ray returns with a sophomore effort that sounds more focused and melodic than the rather generic pop/punk of the quartet's debut. Often compared to bands like the Killers and Good Charlotte, the band is a vehicle for the songs of singer/guitarist John Balicanta, whose songwriting combines enough jabs and barbs to keep things interesting while offering an impressive cache of hooks to sing along with. Album-opener "An Officer And A Gentleman" simmers sleazily before transforming into a classic Motown-like chorus complete with hand-claps, glockenspiel and horns. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pop/punk band, and the impressive Liars is further proof that the group deserves to be liberated from that tag as soon as possible.
Mark Horan
Release date: August 8, 2006
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