Cool Cool Cool, the full-length debut from quintet, The Lawsuits, captures the group’s innate ability to traverse through a wide landscape of genres. Enlisting the services of renowned local producer Bill Moriarty (Man Man, Dr. Dog, etc.), the record demonstrates that The Lawsuits aren’t bound to any specific style; rather, the tie that binds is their united musical output – one that incorporates strong storytelling, crisply built up instrumentation, and heartfelt vocals. These components infused with an omnipresent energy create songs that creep into one’s head for the long haul.
Lead single “Onion” begins with a ringing lap-steel guitar, leading into a casual boogie piano as Brian Dale Allen Strouse does his best Randy Newman impersonation. The song gradually builds momentum, gaining strength with every verse particularly in the paired vocals of Strouse and Vanessa Winters – “Well it’s alright now, because you’re all mine now” – set off by rolling downhill instrumentation.
“The Workings of You” begins with a somewhat funky soul combination of drums, bass and keys, setting a groove before the slide guitar comes in adding just that right twang. Strouse’s vocals are a fine blend of spoken authority with a touch of earnest soul, as the perfectly smoothed-out backing vocals provide contrast. The song remains at a constant flow before the guitar launches into a raunchy electric honky-tonk solo. Speaking of honky-tonk, “25W A19 120V Blues” is a down-home, rugged, up-tempo boogie complete with a hip-shaking groove and a nasty, whiskey-drinking guitar solo.
“Odd Like a Hymn (Flies in the Butter)” immediately grabs you with its powerful, anticipatory drum/guitar combination, but is reeled in by the keys. Strouse’s vocals take the lead role, but the song finds its force in the intertwining of Strouse/Winters vocals – “I’m a freight-train coming for you” – blended with electric guitar runs and the tumbling avalanche of percussion.
The album closes with the soulful, heartfelt ballad “You Won’t Love Me if You Don’t.” Winters takes the reins amid percussion-and-keys-fronted instrumentation, bearing her soul at full force – “She lives to deceive you. She doesn’t deserve to say your name.” The song takes an uplifting tone as Winters repeats the refrain – “you won’t love if you don’t/I won’t ask you if you won’t…” – leaving you smitten.
Cool Cool Cool is an album that proves The Lawsuits get it – telling stories that are worth hearing and delivering them in a manner that demonstrates how each word and moment is close to their heart. It’s really not about genres; it’s more about expressing emotion through every song. – Michael Colavita
