I've spoken out against theatrics in music, deeming them to be typically unnecessary unless your objective is to make it onto the Top 40. In some cases, however, they can prove to be handy, even stupendous. Where would we be without Freddie Mercury and Queen? A more current band that does theatrics the right way is Ludo, a quartet from St. Louis, Missouri that loosely falls into the "alternative rock" category. I mean, what is there not to like about guys who sing about robots, skeletons, and everything in between...and is named after a character in one of the best movies of 1986? Nothing, really. These guys are good. Their latest release hosts a smorgasbord of gems, among them "Skeletons on Parade," the last song to come on my itunes library.
"Skeletons on Parade" is reminiscent of Tim Burton movie soundtracks, with an alternative twist. It's essentially about what you think it is...skeletons on parade. It begins hauntingly, then takes a jazzy detour that reminds me of a scene in The Corpse Bride (props if you know what I'm talking about) before going Nightmare Before Christmas. There's no denying that Andrew Volpe is a gifted vocalist here. He doesn't have that "typical alternative" sound, which he uses to his advantage. Ludo doesn' sound like anyone else out there, which makes me quite happy. I've been following them since "Love Me Dead" came on the radio years ago, and am too anxious for their next album.
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