Vocalist Wayne Everett was formerly the drummer for the now legendary
Prayer Chain. Who knew he could sing and front a band? He's joined by fellow
PC band-mate Eric Campuzano, who trades in his bass for guitar, and the
incomparable Frank Lenz on drums. While some listeners might be unfamiliar
with the names of the other guys, others will remember Jeff Schroeder (guitars)
from early Violet Burning demos and Jason 71 (bass) as Jason Pickersgill
who, in his spare time, designs album covers for tons of other Christian
alternative rock bands. With a lineup like this, you know you can't go
wrong.
To begin with, you would be better prepared to get this CD if you've
first heard the Lassie's debut California. If you enjoy that one,
then Pacifico will be less of a surprise. Otherwise, you'll need
to know about Everett's helium-high falsetto, Campuzano and Schroeder's
hooky guitars, and song titles like "I've Got the Rock and Roll for You,"
"Come On, Let Your Lime Light Shine," and "Kisses as Bounties," which set
the tone for what can only be called The Lassie Foundation Experience.
If you're looking for spiritual content, it's pretty hard to find.
The song "El Rey" (which means "the king" in Spanish) would appear to offer
some reference to Christ, but the lyrics simply say "Here she comes, walking
right at you," leaving the title's reference unclear. The final track,
"You Are Infinity", does make a blatant reference to the Almighty with
lofty, atmospheric reverence. All the lyrics are inoffensive, and most
are of the "Ooo-lala-ooo-lala" category. Still, the Lassie's are full of
audacity, pomp, and a precocious Brit-pop swagger. These songs are just
too darn fun to deny! In just one listen you'll be walking around humming
the tune to "She's the Coming Sun-She's Long Gone" and "Dive
Bomber" which opens with the intriguing lyric, "You've got your
shields up" and continues throughout the song with various references to
Star Trek technobabble-inspired metaphors for lost love and loneliness.
Yes, this is rock and roll; however, it's dreamy, sugary, pretentious
rock and roll unlike any other thing you've ever heard. The Lassie's
are certainly influenced by My Bloody Valentine, The Pixies, The Beach
Boys, and Starflyer 59, and at times they wear their influences on their
paisley sleeves. At other times, they completely defy any and all descriptions.
It's moments like these that make the disc worth mailing off to purchase.
This Cd is highly recommended for fans of anything on the artsy-end of
dream-pop-noise-rock. For now, the only way to purchase this Cd is through
the band's official website: http://www.rollanet.org/~johnston/
Keith Giles (3/2/99)
