POMEGRANATES debut record, Everything Is Alive hit the streets on Tuesday, May 13th!!
Album is available at your local record store and on iTunes!!

“Cincinnati-based quartet, Pomegranates, work a fine blend of pop rock, or as the boys call it, ‘art pop.’ Drawing on influences like The Beach Boys and The Kinks, the bands debut full length, Everything Is Alive, is a 10-track recording that’s as timeless as it is fresh. From start to finish, the album is, simply put, a delight.”
-Lujo Records

“The comparisons to early Modest Mouse are pretty spot-on so long as thats not the last word. Pomegranates sonic template is much wider, their pop, poppier.”
-KEXP Blog

Stream the entire album from the fancy ECARD !!

Listen to MP3s!
Thunder Meadow
Whom/Who

Visit Poms on MySpace!!

read comments (0)

LOOK MEXICO - Video for “You Come Into My House, While I Sleep?”
——————————————————-
* Sweet new video with illustration by LM’s Joshua Mikel / animation by Travis Miller
* SXSW shows
* Six-week tour of U.S. rolls on…

Tallahassee, Florida’s Look Mexico has unveiled an amazing new video for “You Come Into My House, While I Sleep?”, the first song from their 2007 full-length This Is Animal Music on Lujo Records.

With animation from Travis Miller and concept / illustration by Look Mexico’s drummer Joshua Mikel, the video features sheep, a giant drooling spider, a griffin, Zeus, a mermaid, an anglerfish (maybe), a fishing bear and four creepy rabbits in underoos. It’s probably just better if you watch it.

While we’re on the subject, Josh Mikel is a terrific artist who has cranked out some rad stuff for Fake Problems, Sound As Language and BearTrap PR. You can check out his work at Sharkguts and drop him a line sharksruledude@gmail.com.

Of course, the Look Mexico boys continue to tour in support of their latest release on Lujo, The Crucial Collection, which was released on February 12, 2008. For those of you in attendance, the band has two sweet shows at SXSW this week. And for the rest of you on the right side of the country, Look Mexico will continue touring the Southeast and East Coast for the next three weeks.

Read the rest of this entry »

read comments (0)

The Indie Review

By Derik Hefner
March 13, 2008

Artist: The Dark Romantics
Album: Some Midnight Kissin’
Label: Lujo Records
Rating:

There’s something to be said for originality. But there’s also something to be said for a band that melds indiscreet influences into a sound that’s equal parts catchy and well-executed, and allows you to take a break from the tiring search for something “new” long enough to enjoy something that’s just downright listenable. The Dark Romantics find their niche in the latter category, and God bless ‘em for it. On Some Midnight Kissin’, it’s not hard to see why Jason Martin (of Starflyer 59) offered to record the band’s demos free of charge in exchange for first dibs on producing this solid full-length debut.

The disc opens strong with So Confused (And We Like It), a rocker that conjures up hazy memories of Franz Ferdinand with its tastefully wailing guitar leads and tight, sassy bass line, all while taking full advantage of the band’s multi-gendered line-up for some great layered vocal action. Following right on its heels is A Million Bucks, undoubtedly the album’s high point. Here we hear singer Eric Collins (formerly of Denison Marrs) given even more opportunity to shine as Amanda Jones’ keys worm their way underneath Collins’ and Dean Paul’s restrained, surfy guitars before the song morphs into a rollicking, handclapping chorus full of enough attitude to put some real bite into otherwise tired lyrics. With its catchy, sing-along chorus it’s not hard to imagine the energy that must permeate the air at their live shows. From there, Another Song For Another Night sets the tone for the the bulk of the album’s remainder, as Collins & Co. take a detour into The Bravery’s backyard, and apparently find that they like their sandbox just a little better. This is a somewhat disappointing departure from the punch of the opening two tracks, but more due to those tracks’ strengths than the others’ weaknesses.

The songwriting muse continues to endure the pestering of The Bravery until She’s A Fire, one of the album’s subtle gems, where they’re nudged to the side (but only slightly) by… well, by The Strokes. The final few tracks find their way back into slightly more original territory, but still lack the punch of the first two. The songwriting still stands up however, and these last few stragglers are so well-crafted they bring with them a certain melancholy in the knowledge that you will forget them and this band if the gang doesn’t take the initiative and start blazing a path worthy of their obvious skill.

But naysaying aside, Some Midnight Kissin’ remains a strong debut; a display of solid song crafting that makes up for in execution whatever it may lack in originality. Like The Bravery’s The Sun and the Moon and The Strokes‘ First Impressions of Earth, it’s an album that will keep you coming back almost in spite of yourself, a good standby when you’re in the mood for nothing more than a confident dose of melodic, danceable rock. Beyond that, you won’t find much in the way of lyrical profundity, unless the basic pop-infused musings on “love” and relationships are your idea of profound. But this is good old fashioned rock ‘n roll in a 21st century wrapper, and rock ‘n roll doesn’t always need earth-shattering lyrics so much as a good reason to shake your hips, which this album has in spades. Even the order of the track listing reflects the progression of a backyard party full of beautiful people aglow in the light of the tiki torches; the dancing becoming more mellow and natural as the night progresses. The obvious chemistry of the band (Collins and bassist Carla Jones are married, as are Paul and keyboardist Amanda Jones— who also happens to be Carla’s sister, to round out the Brady Bunch dynamic) is reflected in the music, adding that x-factor of sex appeal that serves as the mortar for a brick wall of sonic solidarity.

Despite the clear comparisons, there really is something special going on here. No new ground may be broken, but sometimes it’s nice to take a trip down familiar roads with someone who knows the territory. And The Dark Romantics seem to know it quite well, taking you on a tour of their favorite seaside make-out spots with a solid, sexy soundtrack wafting through the breeze. Only time will tell if they can craft this into something that will outlive the trend and become something truly great, where less comparisons are drawn and they can stand on their own legs, far removed from the Hot Topic flavor of the week. In Collins’ own words: “Where do we go from here, my love? I don’t know, but at least we’re together…”

Stand Out Tracks:

“A Million Bucks”

“So Confused (And We Like It)”

“This Is The Sound”

read comments (2)

11 Mar 2008 Lujo Records doesn’t stop. Here is info on some notable new releases as well as current releases you should check out. (Also, note these artists’ tour schedules & catch them live!)

POMEGRANATES Everything Is Alive - Available Now!

Pomegranates’ Everything Is Alive is available now exclusively from Lujorecords.com! Go get it, go get it! It’s really amazing!! Here is some info:
After self-releasing critically acclaimed EP Two Eyes, the boys put together a record..and a highly anticipated record at that. Everything Is Alive is the band’s debut full length and is pure pop ecstasy from start to finish. Drawing from influences like The Beach Boys and The Kinks, Everything Is Alive is as timeless as it is Modern. Melodic guitar lines, gusto vocals, unorthodox song structures.. and comparisons to early Modest Mouse. This is what KEXP’s blog had to say about the boys: “The comparisons to early Modest Mouse are pretty spot-on so long as that’s not the last word. Pomegranates’ sonic template is much wider, their pop, poppier.”

And be sure to check out their brand new video for “Whom/Who”:

AND the sample track for “Thunder Meadow” here!

NEW ALBUMS – In Stores! Head on down to your fave mom and pop record shop to pick up your very own copies of the new records from THE OUT_CIRCUIT, DEATH HOUSE CHAPLAIN, and LOOK MEXICO! Audio teasers are available for your listening pleasure in the media section of Lujorecords.com. For more on these new records, see below!

LOOK MEXICO - New release and new video!

As the title suggests, The Crucial Collection is a compilation of just about everything that the band has released…save for their recent debut full-length This Is Animal Music (also available from Lujo). Fourteen songs to round out your LOOK MEXICO catalog, including the remixed and remastered The Crucial EP, the remastered So Byzantine EP, two tracks from the Japanese release of Animal Music, cover songs and exclusive b-sides you won’t find anywhere else. Pick up your copy here and watch out for for a split 7-inch (on Suburban Home Records) with bosom buddies Fake Problems and a vinyl version of This is Animal Music (on Good Friends Records) both of which will be available from our webstore soon! Click here to hear the song “Guys I Need A Helicopter” from The Crucial Collection!

OH! And be positively sure to check out their new animated video for “You Come Into My House While I Sleep” off their full length This Is Animal Music illustrated by our very own Joshua Mikel of Look Mexico! It will blow your mind, promise!

THE OUT_CIRCUIT Pierce the Empire With a Sound

The Out_Circuit makes music in reference to a state of mind. On their debut record, Burn Your Scripts, Boys, that state of mind was mellow, moody and atmospheric. For the band’s sophomore effort, Pierce the Empire With A Sound, Nathan Burke holds to the bracing-yet-beautiful instrumental melodies that Burn Your Scripts was noted for, but builds on those, positioning them opposite a heavier sound actualized by occasionally screamy vocals and a driving rhythm section. Collaborations with Dustin Kensrue (Thrice), Sean Ingram (Coalesce), Rachel Burke (Beauty Pill), as well as members of Roadside Monument, The Epochs, Haram, and more are only appropriate here. Pierce the Empire With A Sound was mixed by Teppei from Thrice and offers you that rare space where darkness and beauty collide.

Click here to hear “Across the Light” from the album.

DEATH HOUSE CHAPLAIN Of Asthma

Like a good slap in the face comes the sophomore effort and Lujo debut record from Los Angeles trio, DEATH HOUSE CHAPLAIN. Front man Matt Holl pounds out the guitar licks and unrefined vocals in a way that’ll make you wonder what that crap on the radio is you’ve been listening to. Available exclusively for pre-order before it’s March release date, Of Asthma, is an absolute must for fans of US Maple, The Cure and -dare I say- The White Stripes? Oh yes I do! I dare!

Click here to hear the song “Until No Carp” from the album.

TOUR DATES

Read the rest of this entry »

read comments (0)

11 Mar 2008 Nashville, TN’s Cool Hand Luke signed to Lujo Records this week. They will be releasing a brand new LP entitled The Sleeping House late this summer.

Cool Hand Luke has been one of my favorite bands for long time. I actually ran sound for them in Tulsa, OK a while back. You should buy all their records.

read comments (0)

Look Mexico posted a new video. It’s awesome. I’m a HUGE animation fan.

Also, make sure you check out the re-release of their first 2 EPs with The Crucial Collection out now on Lujo Records!

read comments (1)

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
March 8, 2008

Artist: The Out_Circuit
Album: Pierce the Empire With a Sound
Label: Lujo Records
Rating:

Nathan Burk (of Frodus fame) is my new hero. With his project The Out_Circuit, he has continued to push the envelope on post-punk and experimental music. The Out_Circuit’s sophomore release, Pierce the Empire With a Sound is a masterpiece that combines beauty with aggression and is the first album of 2008 to really stand out above everything else.

Pierce the Empire With a Sound is not a conventional album, and pretty much requires you to listen all the way through and enjoy this album as a whole. In today’s download culture, we’re getting re-wired to only focus on the songs we like and The Album takes on a secondary role to The Single. The Out_Circuit won’t make sense to you as just A Single. There is too much going on for you to only enjoy one song. One minute Nathan’s vocals are full of post-punk/hardcore aggression, only to turn on a dime to a hushed and relaxed vocal. The Out_Circuit’s combination of full band portions of songs to strictly electronic and ambient sounds is something you need to hear, I can’t do it justice by describing it.

Another aspect I enjoy about Pierce the Empire With a Sound, is the guests Nathan collaborates with. Collaborations with Dustin Kensrue of Thrice, Sean Ingram of Coalesce, Rachel Burke of Beauty Pill, as well as members of Roadside Monument, The Epochs, Haram, make this album a diverse and satisfying listen.

The Out_Circuit’s Pierce the Empire With a Sound is the first great masterpiece of 2008. Groundbreaking and non-conforming to any set genre, it will be something we all will be enjoying and talking about for a long time.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Come Out Shooting”

“The Contender”

“Across the Light”

read comments (0)

Got this from my friends over at Lujo today. Good stuff coming out next month!!

POMEGRANATES and DEATH HOUSE CHAPLAIN - Pre-Order New Records Today!

Like a good slap in the face comes the sophomore effort and Lujo debut record from Los Angeles trio, Death House Chaplain. Front man Matt Holl pounds out the guitar licks and unrefined vocals in a way that’ll make you wonder what that crap on the radio is you’ve been listening to. Available exclusively for pre-order before it’s March release date, Of Asthma, is an absolute must for fans of US Maple, The Cure and -dare I say- The White Stripes? Oh yes I do! I dare! Available NOW exclusively through Lujo Records and worldwide March 11!

What? You haven’t heard that Pomegranates are good for you? After self-releasing critically acclaimed EP Two Eyes, the boys put together a record.. and a highly anticipated record at that. Everything Is Alive is the band’s debut full length and is pure pop ecstasy from start to finish. Drawing from influences like The Beach Boys and The Kinks, Everything Is Alive is as timeless as it is Modern. Melodic guitar lines, gusto vocals, unorthodox song structures.. and comparisons to early Modest Mouse… what more could a kid want? A nationwide tour? You got it! Available NOW exclusively through Lujo Records and worldwide in May!

read comments (0)

LOOK MEXICO - Touring in Support of New Record
——————————————————-
* The Crucial Collection out February 12 on Lujo Records
* U.S. tour (Feb 14 - Apr 05) - shows with Bear Colony, Band Marino, more

Road junkies Look Mexico (Tallahassee, F.L.) will be leaving tomorrow for a six-week tour of the U.S. in support of their latest release, The Crucial Collection, which is available from Lujo Records as of yesterday.

As the title suggests, The Crucial Collection is a compilation of just about everything that the band has released…save for their recent debut full-length This Is Animal Music (also available from Lujo). Fourteen songs to round out your Look Mexico catalog, including the remixed and remastered Crucial EP, the remastered So Byzantine EP, two tracks from the Japanese release of Animal Music, cover songs and exclusive b-sides you won’t find anywhere else. Pick up your copy here.

In other news, the boys are preparing to record a track for a split 7-inch with bosom buddies Fake Problems. The vinyl will be the first offering from Suburban Home’s Under the Influence 7-inch series.

Read the rest of this entry »

read comments (0)

The Indie Review
By Sean Duregger
February 7, 2008

Artist: Mouse Fire
Album: Wooden Teeth
Rating:

2007 was a great year for music. It was an even greater year for Lujo Records, who placed themselves on the map with some great bands: Look Mexico, The Dark Romantics, Pomegranates, The Out_Circuit (most of these bands I still need to play/review!). One of the strongest releases on Lujo Records came right after Look Mexico. Mouse Fire’s debut, Wooden Teeth, came onto the scene turning heads of music fans left and right. Their addictive hooks and creative riffs are enough to make any coinsure of fine music wet his/her pants. Their style is in the same vein as Cursive or Minus the Bear, but a bit more catchy. These songs will stick in your brain.

Wooden Teeth is definitely the result of a band that is passionate about what they do. Every song seems to be meticulously crafted and are not the result of a band throwing ideas together. Each song stands on it’s own as original and not a carbon copy of other songs on the album.

Lujo Records is building an extremely strong roster, but Mouse Fire stand out in front as one of the most innovative bands on this respected label.

Stand Out Tracks:

“This is How I Throw My Slider”
“To Celebrate a Suicide”
“Chicago Ain’t The Answer”

read comments (0)