Music
Press
"With the able band backing O'Brien's powerful and impressive vocals and guitar on songs often composed by herself, the Lindsey O'Brien Band is a definite treat and one that should not be missed by anyone interested in hearing extraordinary local talent" - Scene Magazine
"With the able band backing O'Brien's powerful and impressive vocals and guitar on songs often composed by herself, the Lindsey O'Brien Band is a definite treat and one that should not be missed by anyone interested in hearing extraordinary local talent" - Scene Magazine
This first thing that grabs you about As Long as it Matters is Lindsey O’Brien’s bright, expressive voice. Which isn’t to say that the band’s skill at blending horns into rock arrangements or the warm, inviting sound each song possesses should be overlooked. They certainly shouldn’t, as they give the listener a direct path into the heart of what the band’s about. However, the uniqueness and vibrancy of O’Brien’s vocals just hit the ear right.
Sweet but not sugary, there’s a piquant, bluesy undertone in her voice that tempers the bright spots with just enough reality to tell you that she’s been both the wistful lover and the woman throwing her ex’s things into the street. She’s strong and fun-loving, but occasionally works at cross purposes to herself, as we all do. And because that hint of heartbreak is always there, the music can be enjoyably upbeat without seeming fake.
Most rock bands with horns take turns playing riffs, locked into a rote call-and-response where the guitars and the brass rarely play together as a unified band. Thankfully the arrangements on As Long as it Matters avoid this, instead bringing all the instruments together, and using their expanded sonic palette to provide a rock record with some fresh sounds. They have the want to bring in traces of reggae, Americana and blues, coupled with the musical means to do it, and with O’Brien at the helm, it makes As Long as it Matters a highly enjoyable album.
- Scene Magazine
"Their sound brings together
different styles with extended,
jazzy solos, dancey rhythms,
soulful lyrics and some powerful
guitar!" - Fort Collins Now
Discography
LOB release their first full length album "As Long As It Matters" in November 2008. They'll be releasing their new hit single "Fast Forward" on the SpokesBUZZ compilation CD in December 2011. LOB is currently working on their second album with the goal of a spring 2012 release.
Photos
Bio
With an edge of daring and a tinge of heartbreak, Lindsey O’Brien Band (LOB)’s singular brand of soulful, high-energy rock & roll has been a staple of the Colorado music scene for more than six years.Their sound unites the drive of rock, the depth of folk, and the groove of soul—and throws in the get-up-and-dance of funk, a touch of jazz
sophistication, and just enough pop to party to. It’s a full, layered sound that achieves no small feat: crowds both want to shout along and listen close—which is why they keep coming back for more.
You couldn’t ask for more from a front woman—O’Brien has remarkable emotional and musical range, powerhouse vocals, and undeniable
magnetism. Her voice easily brings crowds to their feet, but also has a singular lilt that gives the music a depth beyond its dance-ability. Scene Magazine describes O’Brien’s style as “sweet but not sugary… there’s a piquant, bluesy undertone in her voice….” Songs range from rowdy to
slow burn, blending the attitude of O’Brien’s native Chicago with compelling emotional authenticity.
This outfit has attitude in spades—and the chops to back it up. Articulate City describes them as "super fun and funky… featuring some of the finest talent in town." Indeed, this is a super group formed by members of some of the most accomplished and well known bands in the area’s recent history—including The Atoll, Motorhome, and—yes—the Colorado State University Marching Band.
Marching Band Director Dr. Christopher Nicholas, on trombone, and Dave Clapsaddle, on sax, inject songs with big-band energy and enthusiasm. With roots in the CSU music program himself, Matthew Mahern ups the rock quotient, adding a bold melodic layer on lead guitar.
On bass, Craig Fowler anchors the LOB sound with deeply soulful, danceable grooves. Seasoned drummer Eric Imbrosciano empowers the group’s compositions with driving rhythms tempered by a sophistication that draws from the dance, rock, jazz, world groove, and other influences of his numerous musical projects.
LOB has played some of the most acclaimed venues in Northern Colorado and has opened for internationally renowned bands The Fray and Heartless Bastards. A staple of the regional festival scene, they ignited FoCoMX 2011, bringing the entire standing-room-only crowd to its feet with their finale cover of Gloria. Also in 2011, they were featured on the main stage at Fort Collins’ Bohemian Nights at New West Fest, and were selected by Spokesbuzz to represent the best of the Fort Collins music scene on a compilation CD.
In 2008, LOB released As Long As it Matters—a showcase of their outstanding range and musicianship. They’ve performed at Congress Theatre in Chicago; Soiled Dove Underground and Walnut Room in Denver; and The Budweiser Events Center, Mishawaka, and Aggie Theater in Northern Colorado, in addition to many more stage and radio performances.
Follow Lindsey O’Brien Band on Facebook and Twitter (@lobmusic)
and visit www.LOBmusic.com
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