When thinking of Athens, Georgia, you think of REM and B52s, well you are in for a big surprise. There is a band that has been around for a little over a decade named Lullwater. They have brought back rock ‘n’ roll with a feel for grunge. They had released a single title ‘Release’ which is a cover of the Pearl Jam song. They are one of the best bands in the south. They went to New Orleans, LA to record their newest album Voodoo. It also seems as though the band has scored to be on the road right now with the hottest tours around. Sevendust, Tremonti, Lullwater, and Kira have taken the music world on the road with all rock n roll on their minds.
The tours first stop was in Houston, TX and a little band called Blacktop Mojo showed up to show their support. In fact, played with Lullwater. Let’s face it, bands like Blacktop Mojo, Joyous Wolf, and Lullwater are bringing back good old rock ‘n’ roll and it is needed. Voodoo brings a good feeling to anyone that listens. The fans of Lullwater will not be disappointed and there will be new fans made.
The track “Dark Divided” has a gritty southern rock style that makes you want more and more. The vocals are hard with a softness, the guitar is front and center on this song to show how to play a guitar. There is a guitar solo that will tear your heart out. This guitarist is the best since John5. Lullwater consists of vocals and rhythm guitars John Strickland, vocals and drummer Joseph Wilson, bassist and vocals Roy ‘Ray’ Beatty, and guitarist Daniel Binnie.
Another song on Voodoo is “Similar Skin” begins with a harsh guitar and drums. It is a sultry sounding song that will make any panties drop. The vocals are what rock is made of and will be sung along to all the time. It will be a favorite song for people quickly.
“Godlike” a track that is heavy lyrically and will make one think, a lot. A heavy topic and a hard sound are what is delivered in this song. The instruments are played well, but vocally is the stand out of this song. It does have another killer guitar solo in it and bass that is underlying powerful drums. It has a hash sweetness to it with a drum solo that is short and sweet.
Another notable song is titled “Yellow Bird” and it is not big bird. This song has a melodic beginning and it will make you dance. Beautiful lyrics which tells a story that will make you cry. This song is from the heart and will be on your mind well after you hear it. The guitars and drums work very good with the vocals. It is very good in a dream like kind of way. Towards the end of the song is harder vocals that has the most feeling. One listen and you will know that this is something special.
The last track titled ‘Suffer Not’ is the end to what is a fantastic album. A slow beginning with beautiful guitar and drum beat. This is a slower melody with a softer vocal that makes your skin crawl. The harshness that comes in with guitars and then slows with a violin playing adds to this dreamlike state of a voice. The addition of strings to this song is composing perfection. The hard- thriving guitar that comes in here and there throughout with a guitar solo that is incredible, matches the changing vocals from softness to hardness beautifully. It is clean and it is just what any guitarist strives to become, tis song comes with a strong ending to a masterpiece of an album.
Lullwater is a band that continues to develop music which is rock, and grunge rolled into one. Voodoo is their best album to date. The entire album is composed and mastered to perfection. This Athens band is here to stay for a longer time than just the past ten years. If you want rock ‘n’ roll with a grunge heart, look no further. Voodoo is a must have album for any music fan. The band is a fantastic live band too. Check their live show out too, you will not be disappointed.