Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Good EP’s are better than good albums most of the time. They encompass everything about a bands sound that matters without giving the band time to play anything but what we want to hear. It’s this meat and potatoes approach to song writing that make ep’s stick in your head long after they’re done playing. The Hot Rod Hotel ep by Ohio natives Lady Fantastic is just the short burst of melodic post hardcore to remind you Ohio isn’t for lovers or shitty emo bands anymore. Sure they’ll stay but the state’s got something new to be proud of.
Hot Rod Hotel grinds melodies to dust and then filters them through a cinematic take on post hardcore bands like At the Drive In and Mewithoutyou. Each of the ep’s five sounds sound simply epic, thanks in part to the ripping production. However the hooks of the songs are what stick with you like so many nose rings. While this EP is quite the stunner, I’m now totally holding out for a full length. Come on guys. Keep it up. RECLAME OHIO!
8 out of 10
RIYL: At the Drive In, Mewithoutyou or Hold Steady - Mammoth Press
I have a guilty pleasure for the bands of No Milk Records and for the label it self, so when I was given a chance to check out, one of their new signings, Lady Fantastic and their new EP "Hot Rod Hotel" I was incredibly excited. And as this group of four from Ohio gears up for the release of their full length that will see the light of day fairly soon, we sit back and enjoy the sweet tunes of this EP that was made to bring a little light to our lives.
Because it was recorded by the band themselves you can hear the amateur compilation that echoes with honesty and sound that hasn't been tampered with by high priced recording equipment. It lays the music bare on the table for us all to see and I like to hear that when I'm listening to newly signed bands. Their shouting style of verbiage that is backed by complex guitars is reminiscent of old Thursday. And the subtle tones of seduction seep through because of the trancing lyrics that talk you into a circle and leave such a lasting impression.
"Room 9" is the jolt to your system that you have been aching for. It is rampant and wily with sounds and guitars that are spitting images of the classic "Full Collapse" album.(Thursday) The wall of effects is rather hypnotic and blurs the lines with its reverbing marvel. The building odyssey of "The Prior" is transposed with calculated beats and sirens of guitars that form a wonderful array of indie bliss. It even has an inlay of a wedding ceremony that works into the lyrics and adds to the creative nuances that make this EP great.
I really got sucked in by "Hot Rod Hotel" because of how wonderfully catchy it is and what a great shot of life it is. It has some pretty raw talent that is so refreshing to see in an age of cookie cutter bands and pop punk junk. I have now moved Lady Fantastic's new album on to my most wanted list because of how this EP grabs me and doesn't let me go. No Excuses! Go out and treat yourself to a nice piece of EP candy, courtesy of Lady Fantastic. - Skyline Press
Discography
Paper lp July 2007
Gracer/Lady Fantastic split 7" July 2007
Hot Rod Hotel ep May 2006
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
"Artistic, eclectic, and well written..." is how producer Mike Watts, who's credits include among others, As Tall As Lions, Hopesfall and As Cities Burn, describes Lady Fantastic's full length debut, "Paper."
"This is one of my favorite records I've done in a long time," He admits.
Since it's 2003 inception in Youngstown, OH, Lady Fantastic has continually chanted the mantra - Be original and play to anyone who will listen, anywhere.
While other artists tend to stick to trend friendly sounds in either a quick success scheme or out of fear of straying from what's familiar, cohorts Matt Cairns, Kyle Donahue, Justin Giudici and Nick Kloss, strive to burn unforeseen paths in the sonic landscape.
Set with a raucous live show bent on over-taking anywhere there is a road, Lady Fantastic fuse dense guitar clouds reminiscent of Pink Floyd and Dinosaur Jr., two instantly recognizable vocalists, extrospective storyteller lyrics, the heavy rhythmic bump of The Pixies and a taste for experimentation while remaining pallet able for the less adventurous of listeners.
Working 14 hour days along side Watts and assistant Rich Liegey, Lady Fantastic recorded their debut full length at Watt's Vudu Studio's in Freeport, NY, February 2007.
The album dabbles in an assortment of social and political topics ranging from plastic surgery in the epic "Room 9", femme fatales in the "surfy" and haunting reverb of "Grave Digger", and the north-south contrasting views in the straight ahead, rolling charge of "Saints".
"It's a common thing," says Giudici of the albums simple title, "Everyone uses paper in different ways unaware of the power it holds in our lives."
Quite simply; All are controlled by paper and all use paper to control.
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