What the band brings to their efforts is originality veiled. Music, for me, is gauged on several levels. Is it original, and if not, how well do they emulate their influences? It is difficult to attain originality in this day. Of course, there are bands that can pull it off by incorporating music with methods that are new and as yet unheard. Radiohead is a prime example of this. But largely, bands are heavily influenced by the music that they grew up appreciating and then getting with people of like influence. Sometimes the mix takes off or, more often than not, it implodes the band.

Lake Trout’s influences are there for everyone to hear. It’s inescapable. Where they succeed is in their style. There is more than a hint of originality in their delivery. The songs crafted on this album could be songs that U2 may have written. The nuances are practiced and effectual. Some of these songs could have been penned by any of the bands that influenced Lake Trout. Therefore, Lake Trout becomes a band that understands the necessity of great songwriting and even better delivery thereby elevating the band into ‘must hear music' status.

The NIN industrial intro of “Stutter” sets the pace for the rest of the album without tying it down to a well of NIN knockoffs. First songs are important as they initiate the listener into the experience that will endear or destroy the rest of the album for them. The second song, “Say Something” is Feelies meet Radiohead, its placement allowing for an adjustment by the listener suggesting that this band has more going for them than regurgitated knockoffs.

This album is a journey into style and thought, content and textures. With every song bringing an imaginative display of energy in its music and more than a demonstration of lyrical quality, it becomes an album of worth. On “Mine”, there is a feel of 90s gothic as the singer searches for “just a little piece that’s mine”. The album then moves into the U2 (Boy/War) realm with the generous “Bliss”. The rest of the album generates as much good music as its beginning.

If you like your music textured, intriguing, and tasty, this band, like its name, becomes a musical oddity that satisfies without sounding overwrought and poseur-like. With the proper push, Lake Trout could enjoy a larger audience with a popularity that is enjoyed by Nine Inch Nails. As an early adopter of Lake Trout, you’ll just want to say that you were in on the ground floor.

Note: Palm Pictures has graciously allowed you to hear almost all the songs on this album in their entirety. Just click on the links in the Track Listing and enjoy the album.