Lucy Breathes Loudly

A collaborative effort between childhood friends Christian Lane (guitars and vocals), Tommy Furar (bass) and drummer Mark Doyle, Loud Lucy hails from Chicago. Since Loud Lucy's formation while Lane and Furar were still in high school, the band has gained a reputation as one of Chicago's most popular unsigned bands in recent years. In 1995, they released their debut, Breathe, proving that they could make the transition from live shows to the studio.

Responsible for the robust sound on the album is producer Brad Wood, whose portfolio includes Liz Phair and Veruca Salt. In fact, the grunge-pop arrangements on the album recall Veruca Salt and are no doubt attributable in part to Wood's production. Wood's insistence on precise recording allows the band to "sound like we're playing live in your living room," as Lane says.

The band's origins in Chicago account for the influence of Smashing Pumpkins, whose influence can be heard in tracks like "I'll Wait," "Down Baby" and "Not Here," with their drifting background guitarwork and almost schizoprenic vocals.

It seems like few up-and-coming bands can avoid the Seattle connection, and Loud Lucy is no exception. Other influences on Breathe include Nirvana, if only because in late 1991, when Lane and Furar started to immerse themselves in the music scene of Chicago, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was everywhere. "Over Me," "Breathe" and "Clear World" all possess obsessive, driving guitarwork by Lane which is reminiscent of Nevermind. Hearing the drawn out and angst-ridden vocals, particularly those of "Clear World," one cannot help but think of Kurt Cobain. Overtones of Soundgarden also linger over a number of the tracks.

Unfortunately, Loud Lucy's experience as a live band has led to some bad habits which surface on the record. The superfluous flourish on the drums at the end of the title track is one example. However, drummer Doyle deserves much commendation for his brilliant work on the album. His confident fusion of rock, pop and grunge styles makes for a fascinating complement to Lane and Furar.

At times they sound somewhat generic, but Loud Lucy manages to create an original sound amidst the influence of its predecessors. In tracks like "On the Table," "I'll Wait," "Breathe" and "Clear World," we can easily see the debt they owe to other more recognized bands, but Lane puts his own stamp on the songs. He says that he wanted the album to be "poppy and happy," with "songs that you want to sing along with, songs that make you move." Admittedly, those ideals sound corny, but the band's attempt to be the modern day Beatles is admirable.

Loud Lucy has the talent to succeed, at least to some degree. Upbeat and fun to listen to, Breathe is a refreshing change from the deluge of angst-ridden music being produced these days. With a little work, Lane might detach himself from his influences and discover a completely original voice as the leader of a kinder, gentler grunge movement, and with luck the band will rise above the reputation of its predecessors. As a debut effort, Breathe demonstrates that Loud Lucy is at least a cut above the rest and promises that we can expect much more from them in the future.