Described as innovative, commanding, and uniquely dissonant, grunge duo Lung have done it again with their latest and fourth album, Let It Be Gone, which dropped digitally September 30th via Romanus Records.
Written on the road during an extensive tour through North America and Europe, the band has created this album as an homage to their life on the road and their need to actively live through their energetic music.
The band has made a name for themselves as one of the “hardest working DIY bands in 2019,” and has gained a following for their post-grunge sound mixed with fearless lyricism. The rhythmic section of the duo is led by drummer Daisy Caplan mixed with the classical stylings of cello and vocals by Kate Wakefield. Their sound is incredibly unique with their creative use of operatic and classical musical techniques within the punk rock genre.
The duo dramatically opens the album with the the track, “Jump Ship,” which begins with an eerie cello solo from Wakefield that sets the tone for the project. The band’s creative combination of punk and traditional orchestral technique is showcased in this opening piece as Wakefield demonstrates how her cello skills and operatic vocals can be used in more than classical projects.
“Rag Doll” is an emotional and triumphant piece about knowing your self-worth and standing against people that mistreat and/or abuse you. With epic cello breakdowns between choruses, the song is interlaced with impressive harmonies and a driving punk-styled guitar lead. The song is an outcry against disrespect and presents as a motivational protest against those who have abused power.
Coming towards the middle of the album, “The Prettiest Machine” is a thumping tune about control and the danger of ignorance. The song is an absolute headbanger with an aggressive guitar and cello-paired lead that can be felt throughout the piece. The catchy lyricism with the slower rhythm makes the song one that could have a crowd engaged and moving.
Wakefield has found a special connection with the tune “Miles Per Hour,” as the line, “To be free is to give in to a life worth living in,” has rung very true to her in the past year. She’s quoted discussing the theme behind the tune: “The need for music, connection and purpose are stronger now. The need to actively live, rather than just numb the senses with whatever vice is in the nearest reach feels strong.” The song itself is a fast-paced, dissonant tune with Wakefield’s impressive vocals paired with her eerie cello melodies.
The seventh track, “Siren Song,” is one of the pieces that best displays the duo’s connection to operatic stylings, and demonstrates Wakefield’s vocal power. The chorus is full of dramatic operatic belts with punk-grunge instrumentation. The song could quite literally be considered a siren song, as the vocals and hypnotizing musical aspects lure the listener in while the lyrics warn of “danger in the water.”
The 12-track project wraps up with the piece “Bones,” which begins deceivingly as one of the mellower tracks on the album, but picks up quickly to remind the audience of the grungy rockstars they’re listening to. Their artistic creativity is well-displayed in this tune, as they play with tempo changes, varying dynamics, and unique instrumentation. The song begins and ends with a spooky whistled melody that leaves its listeners intrigued and unnerved in the best way.
Lung is continuing their seemingly never-ending tour with a fall schedule that spans all across the country. Look out for them at local venues near you for a truly unique musical experience, and give Let It Be Gone a spin or three.
