The Lost Patrol Band
Burning Heart, 2005
rating: 1.5/5
reviewer: jspicer


Yawn.

What happened to Dennis Lyxzen? It's commendable to explore different genres and influences, but power pop is already a beaten horse -- not to mention the hackneyed blandness The Lost Patrol Band's self-titled album. The songs are fun and free from thinking, but Lyxzen is behind the solid post-punk The (International) Noise Conspiracy, as well as once providing the voice and driving force behind Refused. Again I ask, what happened to Dennis Lyxzen? Trying to pay homage to the likes of Elvis Costello ("Pick Me Up') and The Clash ("A Dose of You'), the band sounds more like a poor man's Strokes ("Golden Times," "Get Ready"). This album is destined to be lost in the shuffle of more relevant and noticeable bands doing the same thing, only better. There is nothing to separate this album from Bloc Party, The Dead '60s, The Hives, or The Strokes. And no matter how low those bands may be on your totem pole of glorified tribute bands, at least they have an energy and fervor that The Lost Patrol Band can't even adequately feign. In trying to give a high five to the bands that have influenced him, Lyxzen has actually produced an homage that is more like repeated kicks in the balls. Not even a prime slot on America's Funniest Home Videos and an obnoxious Bob Sagat voiceover could salvage The Lost Patrol Band's latest.

1. Feels Like Drowning
2. Golden Times
3. Get Ready
4. Hanging On
5. Pick Me Up
6. A Girl Like You
7. A Dose of You
8. Let Me In
9. My Heart is Still a Mess
10. Can't Stand the Quiet