Lyrically Strong

Lo Pan’s most recent release In Tensions is a short album, but one that is full of energy. The Ohio-based band consists of Jeff Martin on vocals, J. Bartz on drums, Skot Thompson on bass and Chris Thompson on guitar. The EP as a whole is cohesive, fast-paced, and brings a full musical experience in just five songs. The five-song lineup works perfectly as well, considering that this is the band’s fifth release. For fans of loud, energetic rock, In Tensions is a great album that will keep any listener entertained from beginning to end.

The first song on the album is “Go West.” Starting immediately, this song is a great way to start the album, and the lyrics go much deeper than the title lets on. “Find nothing on that bloody shore / overcome by the petulant sea / I just wanna go home / who says you can’t go home?” The lyrics talk about trying to find a new home, but realizing that the grass isn’t always greener. The reference to the west as the disappointing new home as well is significant in today’s day and age. It’s a smart song while remaining catchy and exciting, making it a great way to start the album.

“Sink or Swim,” the second song on the album, starts with a very similar beat and sound as the previous song. Thompson’s guitar and Bartz’s drums create a beat that carries perfectly between songs. Beyond the music, the song itself talks about the disappointment of putting someone else on a pedestal, and that person not living up to those expectations. Much like the last song, the content is of romanticism and disappointment. Lo Pan excels lyrically, and “Sink or Swim” is a perfect example of that.

Arguably the strongest song on the album is “Long Live The King.” The guitar riffs are what make this song stand out, as they are incredibly memorable, and highlight the vocals perfectly. The lyrics, however, are just as memorable as the music. Martin sings of being an outcast, someone who has lived a lot of life and has found themselves feeling alone and insecure in life. Towards the end of the song, the subject of the song seems to plead to a lost love, “I never thought you one to surrender / and after all these years / I want to make his clear / when all is said and done- you see me standing here / no I’m not running away from you.”

The last two songs on the album are “Alexis” and “Pathfinder.” “Alexis” starts off sounding much like a song out of the ’60s, before launching into some impressive guitar and percussion. Martin’s voice perfects the echo like croon that legends like Jim Morrison excelled at in history. “Pathfinder” carries a different sound from “Alexis,” but Martin’s voice continues to be the highlight of the song. Another song with a more retro sound, it’s the perfect way to end the EP. Plus, the guitar solo towards the end is impressive. Each band member’s talents are showcased perfectly on this song, and it’s a great reflection of the album as a whole.

In Tensions is yet another great release for Lo Pan. Despite the recent change up in band members (as Chris Thompson is new on guitar) they sound just as cohesive as ever, and Thompson’s skills truly shine. Lo Pan will be touring the U.S. in the spring.