Poor Old Lu

Item: Mindsize
Author: Jeff Elbel

Mindsize

(1993)

Reviewed by Jeff Elbel

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Label Alarma RecordsThe LighthouseApril 1994

alternative rock funk rock grunge

poor old lu. has been inundated with comparisons to Blind Melon, Smashing Pumpkins, and fellow Seattle natives The Posies. The band's guitar driven sound combines fuzz tones, wah pedal, funk and rock rhythms, and acoustic guitar into a melting pot that acknowledges its modern and classic rock influences while forging its own way. Although at times vocalist/lyricist Scott Hunter's voice is a bit thin, he adapts his vocals to the feel of each song. Aaron Sprinkle's guitar playing at times reminds me of REM's Peter Buck, U2's the Edge, or Neil Young. Bassist Nick Barber and drummer Jesse Sprinkle lay down a solid groove upon which most of poor old lu.'s songs are founded.

Lyrically, Mindsize is a reflection of life through the eyes of one who is trying to live as Christ. That is to say, poor old lu. doesn't come across with an evangelical statement in every song, but rather acknowledges God's presence or the need for it.

"So Good to See Me" combines a rollicking Manchester beat with a guitar hook that conjures images of U2's "Even Better than the Real Thing." Other tracks pay homage to such diverse sources as Southern Rock and Jimi Hendrix.

Terry Taylor makes his presence as producer known throughout Mindsize, particularly in the arrangement of the acoustic guitars and background vocal parts. Taylor doubles Scott Hunter's lead vocal in most songs, which fills out the texture nicely, but makes it all the more difficult to actually decipher any of his lyrics.

Hunter is most affecting during the album's closing track, "Shine," a mellow acoustic waltz featuring keyboards and a Beatle-esque string arrangement. Affectionately, he sings, "And the Son will shine/And the reign won't fall, and I know inside/How He loves us all."

Though poor old lu. is a relatively young band, with all members still in their teens, the group has found an accessible sound. This band could make quite an impact with future outings.