Ludo – Ludo – Review

Release Date: September 29th, 2009
Record Label: Redbird Records
Genre: Pop-Rock

If you have read the title of this review then you either think I am crazy for reviewing a 6 year old record, or you might not care because you haven’t heard of the St. Louis-based four piece, Ludo. Either way, Ludo has been getting more and more attention since their latest chart-topping release “You’re Awful, I Love You.” But the band feels they need to share a different side of themselves by re-releasing their self-titled (out-of-print) album, to give all their newly gained fans a taste of how they started out. Sounds smart right?

Well, their old efforts had a sound that needed some rough edges smoothed down, of which “You’re Awful, I Love You” did very well. But back in the days of “Ludo” and their EP “Broken Bride,” we were privy to catchy, yet maturing, pop-rock tracks that showcased some impressive depth and talent. I mean even from the very beginning of “Ludo,” you know it will be different than most. Songs like “Air-Conditioned Love,” let loose upon you with tons of majestic sonic guitars that assure you won’t forget this record. But then you are hit with a shovel to the brain, as you realize Ludo is more than just a one trick pony and utilizes everything from alt-rock, to pop-rock, to indie, and ska. The wide range of styles is what makes “Ludo” so interesting to listen to. Instead of straight radio hits, we got the bands full genuine passion, even if it involved lyrics that share a resemblance to Lit and Zebrahead.

An example is the groups song “Hum Along,” which is a moving alternative rock track, that has the most pointless storytelling going on. But that’s the point. A diverse instrumentation to prove the band has talent, and a bunch of hilarious lyrics to have fun while they’re at it. And while bands of similar disposition haven’t been on many people’s minds, (this record was originally released in 2003) this re-release seems rightly timed to get people excited about Ludo‘s past efforts.

No matter the changing times, “Ludo” still had enough spark, humor, and genre diversity to be an enjoyable record, even by today’s standards. And even though Ludo has made a better album with “You’re Awful, I Love You,” their debut self-titled record was the one that started the bands march out of obscurity, and is simply a wonderful album all by itself. ~Staff

Score: 4/5

Track Listing:
1. Saturday Night Thunderbolt
2. Roxy
3. Hum Along
4. Ode to Kevin Arnold
5. Sara’s Song
6. Summertime
7. Hello, My Name Is Your TV
8. Good Will Hunting By Myself
9. Laundry Girl
10. Air-Conditioned Love
11. Girls On Trampolines