If you know me, you know my love for string instruments and everything that that entails. So, when I hit up Loch Lomond’s website for research on the recent EP that was sent to me, my ears automatically perked when I saw the line-up of this band. A line-up that consists of about eight members and instruments including: three guitars, three percussionists, one clarinet, one viola, one mandolin and one flute. And my ears weren’t the only ones perked, as recently fellow mellow rockers The Decemberists picked up Loch Lomond for an opening spot at their New York show, kicking off their tour.

With their recent free release of what looks like about 3/4ths of their album Paper Walls via MySpace, the inevitable chatter has begun. Though with only five songs, there’s not a lot to talk about. So I’ll stick to the high points. And for me there are three:

“Virgin Mountain” originally comes from their album Lament for Children. This song feels like the mix between a lullaby and a proclamation march. When lyrics like “Freedom, freedom to travel” are nearly shouted, you can’t help but feel like there’s an underlying cause you’re supporting or rallying for. Even though I’m not sure what it would be. The acoustic beginning gradually (with the help of the viola) leads into that strong chorus for the rally. “A Field Report” is probably one of the most confusing songs I’ve heard in awhile, lyrically speaking. And merely in the sense that I never really got the point behind what he was singing. If I disregard the word confusion, this is the most beautiful song on the album. With “Virgin Mountain” as our protest song, this song would be our journey song. It’s the kind of sound that needs air and probably most appropriately through that of a drive in the country on a beautiful afternoon. And even though it wasn’t mentioned, I get the notion that a cello might be included in this piece.

The last of the three for me would be: “All Your Friends Are Smiling.” Making its first appearance on Paper Walls, I can easily see why this was chosen for the masses. For the first minute of the song, all you have are the strings. A few of which seem to be warming up, to then provide a stable ground for the rest of the song. But then there’s those two, are they both violas? I’m not sure. What I am sure of is the passion and their talent. It’s so simple yet so moving at the same time. Remember the band that played while the Titanic sank and tears ran down while hearing “Hymn To The Sea”? Similar to that, just without the sinking ship. Eventually vocals come in and but it’s not just one. Nope this time it’s more of a choir and it’s harmonizing nicely. Not much is actually sung; in fact it’s mostly “La la la.” Yet for some reason, this 3:48 song has more depth than that of the entire CD.

For being free (not just for me) and only five songs, Loch Lomond has definitely made an impression. I’m sure touring with eight members isn’t really conducive for a bus, but I hope one day they make it out yonder.

Review by: Rachel Fredrickson

Additional links:
- Download EP (free or a $2.49 donation)
- Loch Lomond on Myspace