Lagwagon
Let's Talk About Feelings

THE REVIEW

Discovered by Fat Mike, the singer of one of the most famous punk hardcore bands in history: NOFX; the Lagwagon started their career in 1992, led by frontman Joey Cape, joining the record label Fat Wreck Chords and have continued to produce great music until now. In fact, they recently released their seventh studio album: Resolve. But to talk about the album I chose to review, we need to jump back to 1997, the year when the great Let's Talk About Feelings came out, which confirms the group's great ability to write melodic and engaging music. Let me clarify right away that I don't exactly know the reason why the group chose that particular girl for the cover; anyway, and I think you'll all agree, it wasn't really a great choice.

Let’s start by describing the album: the first things you can notice are the harmonized guitars that create a truly captivating sound accompanied by a sweet and harmonious voice. As for the rhythm section, bass and drums cover every area where the music might seem sparse, playing incredibly fast and furious tempos. The first example is given right by the opening track, the fantastic "After You My Friend", which features a particular interval in the middle that completely breaks the punk hardcore and then suddenly resumes. Staying within the punk rock context, it continues with "Gun In Your Hand", a melodic track with great variations highlighting the drummer’s precision and his very convincing touch. A great drum roll kicks off the lightning-fast "Leave The Light On" and subsequently "Change Despair". Following the fantastic melody of the fifth track: "Train", there’s a brief interlude lasting a few seconds yet sweeping away everything with its devastating speed. After the romantic "Love Story", we move to the great "Messengers", a sensational track with a truly framing-worthy finale. Introduced by the acoustic piece "The Kids Are All Wrong" comes one of Lagwagon’s most known tracks: "May 16th", a melodic, original song with great time variations and perfectly connecting guitars. The task of bidding farewell to the listeners is left to the poignant "Owen Meany", which with its sweet notes leaves us in the best possible way.

Lagwagon, like many other bands playing this genre, manage to always deliver that sensational energy that leaves you astounded, but they do it with something extra, that unique quality that makes them exceptional. Want a piece of advice? Buy this album and you’ll realize what I’m talking about!!!