Release Date: (July, 27, 2004)
Label: The Militia Group
Producer:

December Hotel
Overall Rating:  ++++-

(Spiders)

overheard a conversation between a professional writer and an artist once. The artist went on to say to the writer that the only way to write an honest review was to view the art once then write. I thought to myself what if the piece was full of extraordinary complexity? The only honest response a writer could give would be that of confusion.

Lovedrug’s Pretend You’re Alive was immediately taken out of my stereo after the initial hearing and a full review was written. The review was nothing special. I gave the record a mediocre score and didn’t delve into too much critique. Then I emailed the publicist, Paul at The Militia Group-

Paul,
I really like the Brandtson‘s new album. It's been in my headphones all week. I'm afraid Lovedrug might not get the same high marks though. Your thoughts on their album?

He responds-
Kazy,
I think Lovedrug is amazing to be honest with you. It is one of those records that you have to give a few spins to fully get. Hit me back with your opinion and plans.

I give it a few more spins. Each time finding a new musical intricacies to pick apart and develop in my ears. More and more lyrical and musical moments resonated in my ears. They would overlap into other songs making me repeat tracks to pick apart each moment. Artistic integrity is evident in each track. I’ll try to wrap my head around this- religious, affecting and healing. But still I’m not satisfied with these adjectives. This album is "the" most powerful, beautiful and genuine albums to come out of this overcrowded music scene in the past five years. Lovedrug was floating around the independent scene for two years before being offered major label money, but turned it down out of dignity and respect for the business. It’s appreciated because The Militia Group has allowed Lovedrug the freedom to be artist more so than musicians. Pretend You're Alive allows the listener to feel alone with no outside interference. The only stimulus is comfort, hidden inside layer upon layer of difficult, complex and beautiful music. Their humility and imperfections in some tracks makes the album seem that much more humble and complete. Lovedrug is a simple enigma, yet not simple enough to ever understand. It’s that incomprehensible desire that leaves me wanting more.

~Kazy Brown

~ Chris Kriofske

Out of the Ohio comes one of the most unique and hauntingly intriguing albums of the year. Reminiscent of Remy Zero and Ours, Lovedrug’s abstract lyrics, are equally captivating, and complimented perfectly by the bands strong musicianship. Formed in June of 2002, Lovedrug is the brainchild of Michael Shepard and Adam Ladd. The lyrics and distinct vocals of Shepard are what truly set the band apart, especially on some of the piano ballads that find the band at its strongest. Most notable is the current single “Spiders” which has brilliantly crafted lyrics, and a perfect melody for Shepard’s higher pitched vocals. The band also impresses on tracks like “Rocknroll” and “Blackout” both which showcase the band’s strong musicianship. For fans of this style of music, Lovedrug is definitely a solid choice, but Lovedrug may be hard pressed to gain a strong mainstream following from such an abstract album, but that by no means should take away from the band what they have accomplished on this record.