the lovelost - foreign

The Lovelost 

Foreign
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

Since recording Foreign The lovelost have been hitting the stage in passionate promotion. Ixchel del Castillo (lead singer/bass) is a native of Mexico City and Frank Ippolito (guitars/ukulele) hails from their headquarters in Phoenix. The two musicians recruited several additional players to help record and perform live. The sound was defined from the start with del Castillo and Ipppolito desiring multi-instrumental songs that could create a wide contrast of feeling and context. They chose wisely and it shows even at first listen. From song to song, you get the sense that the music is taking you somewhere on a geographical level – from Mexico, to California, to Ireland. It’s all in the expanded instrumentation.

There’s a gentle timbre in del Castillo’s voice that soothes like Natalie Merchant. Her rich vocal character is further complemented by the doubling and back up harmonies that in themselves ring bells from a ‘60s era Latin number. The combination fits well and makes the album feel like a vintage gem, going in and out of modern indie and golden soul. 

There’s no point where predictability sets in because The lovelost use their wide influence like a well-oiled machine crafting each song to be unique in not just musical nature, but lyrical and even lingual content. “Redemption” is sung completely in Spanish and I find that it deepens the intangible magic that the progression and melody evoke.

The group resides in Arizona and definitely showcases their culture in the neighboring south. Their marriage of rock, Latin and gentle rock are smooth and refined like a polished stone. The grunge of guitar is emotional, not dirty – the drums make grand sweeps and full resonance, never stepping out of line or creating unnecessary focus.

“Gravity” is like an Irish breeze with calming accordion and lighthearted two-step percussion. I was anticipating a lovely harmony on the pre-chorus, but to no avail. That would be my only suggestion for this track.

I love the album art and think it conveys the album’s tone in a simple and peaceful setting. The four songs were satisfyingly palatable and left me with little urgency or emptiness. A strong record I would recommend to all music lovers.

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