RCRD LBL

Lions Rampant, The

MusicPhotos

Location: Burlington, KY

Websites:

• http://myspace.com/thelionsrampant
• http://thelionsrampant.com

Bio: In a packed dive in Cincinnati, a band rips through a raucous set of edgy, fun, blues-driven rock 'n roll. Channeling the old ... (more) blues attitude, 70's punk rock guitar, and some hip-hop rhythms, they have created a truly unique sound--and they do it all wearing lion costumes.

The Lions Rampant, a garage band made up of three homegrown Kentucky boys, play music that doesn't sound kitschy but still gets stuck in your head. The lyrics written by lead singer Stuart MacKenzie are smart and catchy--be forwarned, two days later the words might still be lingering-cocaine parties and philandering women...

Their debut EP is full of six sexy, rollicking tracks, which, besides being an entertaining listen, "capture the introspection and the language of three friends, some whiskey and a lot of women," singer and guitarist MacKenzie said. "Legs, the first song on the EP, is about a guy dealing with an internal battle of staying faithful to his girlfriend."

With custom-made lions suits and an EP recorded in a trailer (in the middle of nowhere) Burlington, Ky.--they are not your typical band. Alex, Stu and Paul have been playing together for more than a year, bringing their experiences from different bands, melding their styles to achieve a fresh sound.

The three-piece band has a penchant for performance, improvisation and surprise. The Lions Rampant love playing live. "The blues and hip hop--they are music for the people--there is a lot of audience involvement and call and response. I want to say something that can reach people and make them dance , " MacKenzie said.

The concert is coming to a close, the band settles into their last cut...an energetic riff-driven song that brings the crowd to their feet. Alex, the shy drummer, continues a joyful freestyle as the Lions Rampant end another successful show. One question remains: why the suits?

"We were tired of ironic vintage T-shirts and tight jeans," MacKenzie said. " Plus, you know, chicks dig them too." Just like they dig the band. (less)