Love in Stockholm

I must preface this review by informing readers that my dad, Cadillac Jack, played in THE legendary party band of all time: Duke and the Drivers. The Boston-based band toured and recorded throughout the seventies and my dad melted faces on guitar and vocals all over the USA. As a wealth of stories, a talented guitarist, and still quite the party animal, he has taught me exactly what a party band should sound like. Over thirty years after the Duke threw in the towel, I’ve found that Love in Stockholm is providing the new party people of Boston with its prescribed dose of rhythm and funk, keeping the flame burning in the city that only sleeps when bars close at 2.

Friday night, Love in Stockholm was at the helm of an incredibly funky bill at the Middle East Downstairs. Kicked off by the rootsy folk rock of Tumbleweed Company, the horn-driven afrobeat of Zongo Junction, and the family band style soul of Turkuaz, the stage was set perfectly for the Allston six-piece. Having just arrived back from a stint on the road, the band showed no signs of fatigue, as singer Charlie Rockwell showed both prowess as a hype man, and immense skill as a vocalist. Mick Jagger meets Prince meets Flava Flav, it is easy to direct your attention right to Rockwell, but in truth, Love in Stockholm is a band of unsung heroes. Whether it is guitarist Brendan McBrien hitting crucial harmonies with accuracy, Dave Carroll pitching in with honking sax fills, or Evan Sanders simultaneously tackling trumpet and keys, Love in Stockholm is a collective of forces, feeding off of each other to craft a colossal wall of sound.

With the release of A King’s Ransom this past fall, the band gained a whole new arsenal of originals to choose from. Tracks such as “Water” translate seamlessly live, with a handclapping breakdown that built itself into a smooth punch of rhythm and blues. Another crowd favorite, “Allston,” paid tribute to the band’s (and our) stomping grounds, glorifying the not so glorious aspects of out rat-ridden borough. One thing that has impressed me in the past from Love in Stockholm shows is the band’s choice in covers. Not only do they find ways to keep the crowd involved by selecting favorites, but they manage to completely reconstruct the tunes to give them a whole different sound. Such was the case with their take of Dylan’s “Quinn the Eskimo.” I had no clue that they were playing the song until the vocals kicked in, as they transformed a southern folk-rock classic into an organ-driven slinky groove. Another cover of The Band’s “The Weight” featured tour-mates Tumbleweed Company, and members from both bands traded verses for a Last Waltz recreation. One thing was certain throughout the entire set: energy levels only grew until the very last note. The perfect combination of musicianship and showmanship, I repeat myself by saying that Love in Stockholm is Boston’s party band for a new generation.

A band that gigs tirelessly around the Boston area, they show great promise for breaking out to a wider audience. Not only are they tremendously talented, but they play a brand of music that is engaging even if you don’t know every lyric. This is a quality that is essential as their catalog of originals continues to expand and they keep on playing live shows. Allston may be rock city, but if you can get out of the garage once in a while, Love in Stockholm is one of the tightest bands around.

-Perry Eaton - Allston Pudding

Words that come to mind after listening to this album definitely include funky and stylish. From the opening drum roll to the track's horn section, you realize the record is going to take you on a musical journey. The album segues between a song about a girl with an extra man in her life, "Other Man," to not getting caught up in superficiality "Beauty Fades." Along the way, the band brings a fusion of blues, funk, and rock to the table that leaves you craving a second helping.

The Allston boys have a big band sound, as vocalist Charlie Rockwell tops off the music with a strong voice that is an amalgamation of Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) and Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes). The music itself is in the vein of '70s soul and funk, not too far from the realm of Joe Cocker and Sly and the Family Stone. To capture the full breadth of this band they have to be seen live, but still, A King's Ransom is a very strong full-length debut from a hard working group. There is no other place this band can go but up. Key tracks include "The Buzzard," "Other Man," "Water," and the final two tracks, Parts I and II of "Beauty Fades." (Self-released) - Performer Magazine

A KING’S RANSOM
GENRE | ELECTRIC FUNK FIELD GUIDE
VERDICT | ROYALLY GOOD
LABEL | SELF-RELEASED
RELEASE | 10.5.10

Love In Stockholm is a DIY band’s wet dream come true. From booking shows to building a fanbase to releasing their own music, these Allston alums are running their own show, on and off stage, quite successfully.

I came across LIS last year at a show I was supposed to review. Not knowing much about their sound, the performance displayed their most dynamic attribute: These boys could blow. Charlie Rockwell possesses the vocals and the passion to bowl you over, while trumpets and saxophones blast greatness. On their anticipated first full length, they manage to translate their fervor flawlessly. “27,000 Miles” has buildups worthy of James Brown, and the chorus of “Drop the Truth” hinges on a soulful and aching pace, allowing the ecstasy of the track to be that much sweeter. A King’s Ransom is Love In Stockholm’s official announcement that they’re here, and with a powerhouse delivery like this, we only wish they’d said it sooner. - Weekly Dig

SO WORTH YOUR TIME - We missed out telling you about Love in Stockholm when they had their big party a few weeks back at Harper's Ferry (again, curse you musicians for releasing all your albums in the same three-week window) but their brand of popular soul, ironic lyrics and intimate storytelling hasn't been lost on New England music fans. The year ahead will be a very telling one as this band strives to reach new audience, balancing the drive to draft and record new music. - Ryan's Smashing Life

Ever seen a zombie reanimate on the dance floor? Love in Stockholm’s Halloween show at the Precinct was a funk-fueled night of the living dead. Love in Stockholm, masquerading as Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band—complete with costumes—was in full force Saturday. Big British shoes to fill you say? Yeah. And Love in Stockholm played the shit out of Sgt. Pepper’s, leaving the crowd screaming, “It’s Alive!!!” The seven-piece ensemble played a high-energy set with their distinct rock-funk sound. - Melophobe

On Thursday night, Boston’s Love in Stockholm transformed the creaky-floored room at Harper’s Ferry into a full-blown, funk-fed dance party. Having seen these guys turn out crowded basements and rock clubs alike, I wasn’t surprised when even the stone-faced wallflowers at the bar came to life.

Yet, there was something different about this gig — something in their swagger that telegraphed LIS is gearing up for bigger and better things (and it wasn’t just the switch from PBR to Heineken).
As the openers began winding down, I caught up with the seven-piece band upstairs, filling out the tail end of their drink vouchers. Dressed in sport coats and polished loafers, they gave me a run-down of their new set list, featuring cuts from their upcoming album Too Much Love.

Yet, there was something different about this gig — something in their swagger that telegraphed LIS is gearing up for bigger and better things (and it wasn’t just the switch from PBR to Heineken).

As the openers began winding down, I caught up with the seven-piece band upstairs, filling out the tail end of their drink vouchers. Dressed in sport coats and polished loafers, they gave me a run-down of their new set list, featuring cuts from their upcoming album Too Much Love.

I asked new drummer Jesse Humphrey (fresh off a performance with John Mayer) if he was ready for his first show with the band.

“Born ready,” he quickly replied.

A new drummer, a new set, and a new style: this fresher LIS sure looks the part, but can they play the part?

Absolutely. In fact, they played the hell out of it. Always the showman, singer Charlie Rockwell refused to let anybody walk out of the bar unsatisfied. The new songs were greeted with approval, and the crowd screamed back the lyrics to standards like Allston, No Diggity and Too Much Love.

LIS will be taking their energetic live show on tour this summer to promote their new album, and with “no plans other than to make music,” ahead for the BU and Berklee grads, we’re predicting good things for the band who made us fall in love with Rock City all over again. - That Hottness

Contrary to their name, Love in Stockholm is not from Sweden. Instead, this jivin’ band brings some serious rhythm and blues to the windy streets of Boston. Love in Stockholm’s Too Much Love EP is virtually a non-stop raucous tribute to R&B greats like James Brown, Sam & Dave and Ray Charles. Leading the group on vocals and harmonica is Charlie Rockwell, who guides the listener on a sonic roller coaster of stop-and-go soul action on the song “Ordinary Man.” The track’s blistering horn section is surely something to be reckoned with. Love in Stockholm are working on a video to promote the track, expected for release shortly after New Years. Until then, make sure you show this week’s download some love because too much is never enough. - OurStage.com

This song starts off calmly. But don’t believe it. Trust the horns - their initial swell is the first hint of what’s going to happen in Love In Stockholm’s “Water.” This song is going to slow-roll you for a second before re-raising the stakes in the chorus. It is then when you realize what vocalist Charlie Rockwell is fully capable of as an armed and fully-functioning singing battlestation. Rockwell gathers up his power and then explodes in the chorus, hitting the octave in the melody like it owes him money. And it does, if only for making it sound so good.

While “Water” is an exemplary vehicle for Mr. Rockwell’s impressive voice; it stands up on its own with high production value and arrangement. The band doesn’t just idly sit by and provide a vocal launching pad - they put some of their own rockets into orbit over the run of the song. When the vocals hit their big note, the horns say “Hey, we can do that too!” and unleash their own blast of music, echoing the huge vocal notes. This is, of course, before they dig into their little section of the song.

There is a lot of digging-in in “Water” - every sound in the song sort of digs in its own little trough of the rhythm and melody and just locks into the whole spirit of the thing. Little channels interconnect the grooves, the guitar slams into the rhythmic framework (in a pleasant, non-accidental way) and the rhythm replies by sort of shouldering the horns. The wild talent of the performances points the way of the song, but it is the shared soul of “Water” that ultimately brings it home.
- Boston Band Crush

"Love in Stockholm calls themselves rock, but there is something far more soulful and funky about their EP, Too Much Love. Boston locals LIS have a smooth, laid back appearance that does their sextet justice. Their most professional recording yet, Too Much Love is a heartfelt and promising record. With a mix of rock 'n' roll, blues and funk, Love in Stockholm has a groovy recipe for tasty dance parties and energetic exclamations of love." - Performer Magazine

If your judgment on Love in Stockholm were based solely on their penchant for matching suits and shades, their humble origins as BU undergrads who formed a band in order to obtain "free beer and girls," and their parody video of the Lonely Island's "I'm on a Boat" (shot at what appears to be someone's house, noton a boat), you'd conclude that they're tools. But even a cursory listen to A King'sRansom — the only local release akin to the Black Crowes' The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion so far this year — leads to a different conclusion. Expansive, methodically constructed, and singing the praises of rock and roll's earliest incarnations, A King'sRansom presents Love in Stockholm as a thinking man's party-time band. Especially if said man is a fan of supplementary instruments. Handy with organs and harmonicas (and what sound like congas on "Winter Song"), LIS employ their brass section with a panache unheard in Allston since the downfall of ska's third wave. Also, I can't remember any other song about waking and baking that's anywhere near as infectious as "Let Me Know." - The Boston Phoenix

... The band's song "Allston" is a tribute to the district inhabited by students. "It's not pretty but ... it's a lot better than living by the river," the blues-rock band sings. Tonight, Love in Stockholm is in its favorite town at Harpers Ferry, opening for the Addison Groove Project, which has a two-night stint at the venue. - The Boston Globe

"Musical fearlessness... a rock, jazz, and funk fusion party tonight." - The Boston Globe

From ABBA's "Dancing Queen" to Ace of Base's faux reggae hit "The Sign," Sweden has long been known for its assembly line of cheesy pop music. Enter Love in Stockholm, a Boston University student-based band that provides Sweden with some much needed street cred from across the pond.

The band, made up of four BU seniors and one 2007 alum, has rocked stages across campus, supported Community Service Center fundraisers and jammed on "BU Tonight."

"BU really supports the arts, so that has given us some great opportunities," saxophonist and College of Fine Arts senior Dave Carroll said. "Living in Boston has been an inspiration as well."

One of the band's most popular tunes, "Allston," draws from the band's experience of living in the student ghetto of Allston.

Following a bluesy harmonica introduction, vocalist, drummer and College of Arts and Sciences senior Charlie Geyer belts out, "This is the story of Allston, Massachusetts. It's not pretty but if you wanna know the truth it's/ a lot better than living by the river/ cause where they got a river, baby, we've got a mean old train."

Geyer wrote the song and considers it his favorite to sing.

"If you're in Allston, in an apartment… it's a great place," he said with a laugh, "but it's [an expletive deleted] place, too."

The band's sound is "hard to pinpoint," Geyer said, because each member adds something unique. "Every song has a different leading character."

"We come from such an eclectic background," Geyer said. "Basically we play funky blues… a little bit of James Brown, old school blues, Pink Floyd. It's a little all over the place."

"The best thing about being in a band is having the chance to rock and roll," guitarist and College of Communication senior Neil Mirochnick said. "It's more than a style of music. It's an attitude, an activity, and without compromising our educations, it's a lifestyle."

Love in Stockholm, which also includes CAS senior Brendan McBrien (acoustic guitar, vocals) and College of Engineering alum Andrew Leach (bass), formed after several of the members played together informally freshman year.

"In the beginning we were all just around jamming a lot," Carroll said. "Then we decided to make something of it. It just made sense."

But juggling class and band practice has proved challenging for band members.

"It's not always easy fitting it in around classes and work and such," Mirochnick said. "We're not rock stars, but we've always found a way to make it work. A couple of times a week, we get the chance to rock and roll with our friends. It just doesn't get any better than that."

In December 2006, the band opened for Addison Groove Project (a fellow Boston band) at Harper's Ferry nightclub. Mirochnick calls it the band's greatest accomplishment.

"I used to listen to [Addison Groove Project] in high school," he said. "It was pretty cool sharing a stage with a band that has accomplished what they have. The place was packed and we brought it."

However, after both Mirochnick and Geyer went abroad last semester, the group took a break. "Going [to New Zealand] was a difficult decision," Mirochnick said. "When I broke the news that I was leaving, the guys were ready to kill me. I was still practicing and writing over there but it's not the same…. I had a blast on the other side of the world and I don't regret it [but] I missed playing in LIS more than anything."

Now that everyone's back in town, the guys are ready to make the most of their last year together. "We plan to rock out as much as possible," Geyer said. "We're all 21 now, so we're gonna hit the bar scene, playing out probably every weekend, doing our thing more than we were before."

"We came a long way last fall in a short period of time," Mirochnick said. "After getting back into it this summer, we feel like we're catapulting forward… reaching new levels. We're very excited to see where we can take it. - The Daily Free Press, Boston MA

http://www.bu.edu/today/2009/02/18/bu-alums-release-debut-ep - BU Today