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Lost City Angels

Broken World (2005)
Stay Gold Records

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on April 5th 2005

I'm not really aware of Lost City Angels' previous history, but from what's apparent, Broken World is an unexpected step for the band. Combining the rock-influenced punk aggression of press release namedrops Social Distortion (and the comparison actually fits!) with the raw though fleshed-out and sped-up emotions of Caution-era Hot Water Music, the album is a really solid hybrid of the qualities any self-asserted "punk" or otherwise looks for in a band. From the rugged street chorus of "Pretty War" to the modest declarations of opener "Liberation," Broken World honestly breathes life into the "genre" and cuts off the oxygen supply to naysayers of such.

I'm sure because of the occasional vocal infection, a lazy comparison would comprise of the Bouncing Souls or likewise upbeat punk bands and maybe even AOCTW-era Rancid, but it's tough to say even then if it holds ground. If anything, LCA really just take the same Strummer-like influences and attempt to caplitalize on them. The title track is especially noticable of this, with a chorus-contained melody that seems to precede pop music's tail-end progression with most or all of LCA's present contemporaries. It's a bit slowed down as far as the rest of the song goes and, like mentioned, really seems to simply "harken back."

"Liberation" is top-notch as the album's opener; three minutes fly by as guitars screech in and out of verse and chorus and the vocals jump from ragged to soaring and back again. There's an occasional anthemic quality to the record that can be found in tracks like this one as well as "Pretty War" and "Faithless On The Floor." The fast-paced, pseudo-sloppy "Clutching At Shadows" features guest female vocals from the Dropkick Murphys, and, if I could be hypocritical for a moment, could easily be a mid-90's Rancid outtake. The dirty uptempo punk of "Tonight's The Night" is a cool changeup to the rest of the more rock-oriented vibe of Broken World. Though the album seems to get progressively worse as it goes on, the decline is at least steady, and the disc seems to finish up as you're noticing the fault, depending on your attention span.

I'd also like to briefly point out in spite of my irrationally cynical self that Universal really seems to have left this one alone - it's somehow getting the promotion it deserves without seeming like the collaborative result of execs and Top 40-wishful suitpieces. It's melodic without bubblegum gloss, singalongable without opportunity for commercialization jingling, and often opts for a laid-back intensity that's severely lacking in anything that's usually blessed with the abovementioned corporate influence for radio airplay and the like. Maybe it's because Stay Gold is the imprint, maybe Universal just let its release slip under the radar; who knows. Plus, although the production really pushes everything to the forefront of the sound, it really gives the album a sort of appropriate, in-your-face vibe without coming off as too obnoxious or overbearing.

Broken World is a fairly solid if not rather imbalanced record that's chock full of great influences, songwriting and style base. If a little more consistency was present it could certainly take aim for "best of" lists much later in the year, but as it stands, it's still a more-than-decent record and a definite surprise from the Boston outfit.

STREAM
Liberation
Broken World
Pretty War

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Anonymous (April 4, 2006)

hacksaw jim duggan. nuff said

Anonymous (December 23, 2005)

Just bought this from iTunes. I think it's great.

Anonymous (October 19, 2005)

I just saw them or even heard of them Sunday night San Francisco Warfield on the Boston Invasion Tour. I went to see DropKick Murphys and have come home with a new love in my life. LCA kicked ASS! I flew up to Portland Oregon the next night just to see them again. The show was awesome. I had to bring friends from the area and they were amazed at how damn good LCA was. Ill tell you one thing flying to a concert with a hang over and flying back home next morning at 6:00 am with another hangover SUX!
Lost City Angels was worth every puking moment!!!!!!!!
The guys are really great. So Cool to talk to.

Anonymous (April 25, 2005)

Just came back from FIVE shows with LCA supporting Tiger Army. By the third show, we were like "Tiger Who?". No kidding, LCA rocked! The guys were very approachable and exceedingly nice. I love this album! The very tight black pants don't hurt, either!

Anonymous (April 17, 2005)

I just listened to the one song on this month's AMP sampler, and I love it. I'm gonna buy this record asap.

Anonymous (April 12, 2005)

please....like it doesn't happen all the time , on every band site, all over the internet?! You really felt the need to point an honest "mistake" out?! Which it wasn't really a "mistake" but a case of one computer-two people. I guess you have it out for LCA....looks like we won't be seeing you at the Social D/LCA show...oh, and for the record I think the new cd rocks and so does my friend who isn't sitting next to me this morning....case closed.

maverick (April 12, 2005)

All I'm saying is, this isn't the first time this has happened in a Lost City Angels-related post; it's just the first time I've pointed it out.

-Scott

Anonymous (April 11, 2005)

To the moderator....
My friend was sitting right next to me when I posted the other day and used my computer to post her thoughts....sorry! You don't have to be such a kook! Like I really want to post twice....with the same comments....just sayin....

Anonymous (April 11, 2005)

HAHAHAHAAH.

He got you good fucker.

-GreenVandal!

maverick (April 11, 2005)

Lost City Angels - Broken World
Posted by Anonymous on 2005-04-09 13:41:02
My Score:
Admin: [ Delete ] | IP Address: 70.110.213.193
I agree....10 out of 10

Lost City Angels - Broken World
Posted by Anonymous on 2005-04-09 13:40:33
My Score:
Admin: [ Delete ] | IP Address: 70.110.213.193
I love this album! I think it is a huge step up from their debut! Not too glossy, great sound, great mix and I diagree with Brian...I think the album gets progessively better and ends with a perfect song....10 out of 10!

Just sayin', is all.

-Scott

RuiningTomorrow (April 11, 2005)

WE LOVE YOU FUCKS!!! I like it when kids get together and put out a great album and haters start hating. Go boston. Fuck you.

Anonymous (April 9, 2005)

I agree....10 out of 10

Anonymous (April 9, 2005)

I love this album! I think it is a huge step up from their debut! Not too glossy, great sound, great mix and I diagree with Brian...I think the album gets progessively better and ends with a perfect song....10 out of 10!

ubershep (April 9, 2005)

"the album is fucking awesome and the last thing these guys will ever be is 'commercial'. their shows are insane! great group of guys. and if you cant find at least three tracks on this album that you really enjoy, youre a dumb bitch."

Thanks, Mom.

Anonymous (April 7, 2005)

3 tracks on a 13 song CD?!? That's 23% quality.

Anonymous (April 7, 2005)

the album is fucking awesome and the last thing these guys will ever be is 'commercial'. their shows are insane! great group of guys. and if you cant find at least three tracks on this album that you really enjoy, youre a dumb bitch.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

first the explosion... now lost city angels.. what the fuck happened? these bands were kinda cool once upon a time! this is a LET DOWN!

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

I diSlike this band because it is trite boring radio glossed over recyled bullshit with lame ass cover art and and and and

FUCK! WHY DO PEOPLE LISTEN TO STUPID SHIT LIKE THIS!

_!GreenVandal!

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

"The fast-paced, pseudo-sloppy "Clutching At Shadows" features guest female vocals from the Dropkick Murphys"

Female vocals from the Dropkick Murphys?

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

score is for PILFERS reunion!

lca suxx!

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

I think this album kicks ass. Its catchy, fun, and actually kind of thought provoking in some aspects. I don't get people who dis-like bands because of how they look, or because of some notion they have of how punk rock should sound.. I get a kick out of these self-appointed punk rock police, who think theyre soooooo different because they HATE all those 'corporate' bands and LOVE some band that doesnt know what a chord is. In my book, that don't make you punk rock, kids, that makes you ignorant.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

I'd say the only thing decent about this band is that fact that members of Spring Heeled Jack and Pilfers are in it...with that out of the way...it just makes me terribly dissappointed in these guys.

Get a new drummer, and lets get a Pilfers reunion.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

This CD made me laugh out loud in several places. It's full of cliches and cheese.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

this album is completely genius. will be referenced as a classic breakthrough album. just cant stop listening. i feel that anyone giving this album a bad review is basing it on some kind of personal grounds (dislike for the members, look, sucess of this band) and not basing it on the music. the music is intricate, well mastered and a step above anything else being put out nowadays. lost city angels has a bright future and a wealth of talent.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

score is for lost city angels being a shitty band

slippy (April 5, 2005)

That's an atrocious cover.

Benjasaurus (April 5, 2005)

These guys put on an amazing show.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

No Use For A Name 's new album, Keep Them Confused, comes out on June 18th. It will contain 13 dark, aggressive new songs (two of which were originally written in the Making Friends era). Prepare to be rocked.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

This album offers soooo much.
"the album seems to get progressively worse as it goes on"-Brian
Not at all. It depends on what you like. There are some songs on here that make you want to just completely tear it up such as Tonight's the Night and Pretty War. It aslo has that Social Distortion-esq emotion as in Final Wish. Nick Bacon toatally shreds it up on this album. If you like the work of Chris Cheney from the Living End, you gotta pick this up. Also, this album is a HUGE step up from their self titled debut. So dont go by that. This band is great and they really show it on this album.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

score is for duggan being in the skullys

maverick (April 5, 2005)

I saw this band last month with Spitalfield, and they were alright. I was talking to their bassist afterwards, and he said his name was Duggan. I said, "Like 'Hacksaw' Jim?" and he said, "Actually, he's my uncle."

This score is for being related to "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan.

-Scott

notfeelingcreative (April 5, 2005)

I've heard alot wose than this! Of course i've heard alot better as well.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

score is for nick bacon being in pilfers!

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

This album is great. LCA have been at this a long time and its about damn time that they are getting this much needed attention. River City Rebels come on now, punks from Vermont ha. Back to the topic at hand. Lost City Angels are a great amazing band and this album shows it.

mjg (April 5, 2005)

score is for ron ragona being in spring heeled jack usa

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

zzzZZZzzz..

give me RIVER CITY REBELS any day over this dumper..

boas and bullshit and all..

mwaaaaah!!

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

oh and the artwork for both that Bronx album and this record were done by Joby, so that would explain the similarities sickboi. good eye though.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

i think this album is light years ahead of their debut and shows just how much the band has evolved musically in a natural way AS OPPOSED to bands like RiverCityRebels who are CONSTANTLY sheding skin and integrity for the sake of the current trend. no boas or bullshit here, this band is legit.
broken world gets stuck in my head after the first guitar pass in the intro, if thats not catchy, please tell me what is [your herpes dont count]
great guys who have paid their dues and deserve every bit of what is coming to them.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

wow, you are way too worried about a band.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

you are correct, I was wrong, very sorry.

sickboi (April 5, 2005)

Because I was commenting on the cover art, not the content. I simply said it looked familiar. Now that I know why, it makes sense. Lighten up, fanboy.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

Why say ANYTHING about an album you don't own and haven't heard more than an Mp3 of?

sickboi (April 5, 2005)

I don't own the album "pro".

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

This record rules! FYI, it looks kind of Bronxxx because Joby Ford from THE BRONXXX did the art! Read the liner notes pro.

sickboi (April 5, 2005)

That cover art reminds me of something...

http://www.punknews.org/reviews.php?op=albumrevie w&id=2223

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

rat city riot...

there are too many, i conclude

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

oh yeah, AND rubber city rebels

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

Murder city devils

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

. . . Motion City Soundtrack, Desert City Soundtrack . . .

Cos (April 5, 2005)

River City Rebels, Angel City Outcasts, Crescent City Maulers...

feel free to add.
--cos

Jesse (April 5, 2005)

This band is a boring, commercial waste of time.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

This REALLY sucks and sounds exactly like a major label punk band should. Awful.

-!Greenvandal!

stevejonestherealbones (April 5, 2005)

alt press gave this a five i think...thats a little much for an album as swingline put it..for an eh record that leans on the meh end of the spectrum

- jones the bones

- stevejones8770@yahoo.com