Midnight Movies
Issue #31
Lion the Girl (New Line)
By Jim Keller
Published: March 1st, 2007 | 12:00am
Lion the Girl finds Los Angeles’ Midnight Movies in a new formation: no longer a trio, the quartet is now fronted by former drummer Gena Olivier, with Larry Schemel on guitar and new additions Ryan Wood on bass and Sandra Vu on drums. The result is a dark pop record full of haunting guitar licks and keyboards that jam like dark ’80s club nights and often recalls the voice of Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier. The choice is yours: rock out at home with popcorn in hand or get down to your favorite neighborhood haunt and dance in the dive until closing time.
It’s hard to imagine Midnight Movies without Olivier’s voice in the forefront complimenting the mood shifts and eerie melodies. “Lion Song” begins with a simple tambourine tap that evolves into a complex, psychedelic, aural onslaught complete with swirling guitars and a threatening bass undertone, all kept at bay by Olivier’s commanding voice. Equally impressive is the band’s fervent musical musculature, evidenced on tracks like “Hide Away” and “Coral Den,” which summon spirits to the dance floor.
It’s time to not only dress like you’re rocking the ’80s again but to actually do it. Slap on those wristbands or grab your favorite skinny tie because just like that decade, Midnight Movies’ Lion the Girl is in fashion.
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