Release Date: (March, 06, 2007)
Label: The Militia Group
Producer: Tim Patalan

December Hotel
Overall Rating:  ++++

(Thieving)

There aren't very many bands that can cross over into some form of mainstream success without being shunned by some members of the scene they originated in. It's hypocritical, but it's true. There are only a handful of bands that haven't experienced this after reaching a certain amount of fame. The one that I instantly thought of was Jimmy Eat World. "The Middle" annihilated the radio a couple of years ago, but Clarity is still practically an underground classic. I can see Lovedrug heading in the same direction now with Everything Starts Where It Ends. I can't stop playing this dang CD, I guess you could say I am addicted to it, I honestly feel this is one of 2007's best's.
Throughout Everything Starts Where It Ends, Lovedrug bring incredibly calming, smooth vocals to the forefront, such as "Happy Apple Poison". The song contains an infectious melody along with airy, effortless instruments and harmonies that immediately bring a darker feel to the song. Also vocally impressive is "Castling", a dreamy jumpy pop'ish track with upbeat vocals that is generally minimalist with the exception of a downbeat sounding guitar right after the third verse.

Lovedrug also bring some not-so-upbeat songs to the table on Everything Starts Where It Ends. A prime example of this is "Bleed Together", which is spacey with hollow echoes and harmonies that leave behind an eerie feeling. This change of mood is also evident on "Ghost By Your Side" (One of my personal favorites on this record), which is short with grungy, twitching guitars and stealthy vocals.

Another noticeable element on Everything Starts Where It Ends is this: The album would have fit in perfectly with the lighter alternative rock of the 90s. To demonstrate, "Doomsday And The Echo" contains a slightly down tempo rhythm mixed in with a decently cheery vibe.

Everything Starts Where It Ends contains elements of music from our past with light, airy vocals, strong melodies, and infectious songs to pull together a well rounded, impressive album. If this CD makes Lovedrug famous, that's completely fine with me. I wouldn't mind hearing these songs annihilating the radio in the (hopefully near) future.

-- Jesse