Lo-Pro formulates an expansive and powerful sound on its self-titled debut by fusing the appeal of million-selling groups like
Puddle of Mudd and
Staind. Signed by the latter to their 413 imprint, and consisting of
Ultraspank,
Godsmack, and
Snot veterans, the band's experience shows on this
Don Gilmore-produced set.
Neil Godfrey and Pete Ricci's crunchy guitar lines lay the groundwork for
Pete Murray's swooning choruses on the airwave-ready "Fuel" and the forceful "Not Me." Though the quintet gets a bit formulaic on the brutish and anonymous "1Day," its able musicianship, coupled with
Murray's phenomenal range -- which rivals
Filter's
Richard Patrick and is most impressive on the near-ballad "Reach" --nevertheless scores
Lo-Pro high marks. ~ John D. Luerssen