Ex-Tool bassist Paul D'Amour masterminded the Replicants album of rock covers in '95. Here he and his new band opt for intriguing psychedelic whimsy that follows the path of Sub Pop maestro Eric Matthews. Expect college ai... more »rplay for giddy charmers like "Savvy Kangaroos" and "Mindray." --Jeff Bateman« less
Ex-Tool bassist Paul D'Amour masterminded the Replicants album of rock covers in '95. Here he and his new band opt for intriguing psychedelic whimsy that follows the path of Sub Pop maestro Eric Matthews. Expect college airplay for giddy charmers like "Savvy Kangaroos" and "Mindray." --Jeff Bateman
"Hmm. You know those certain CDs that you get, and don't really have any interest for at the beginning? Y'know how after listening to them a couple times, they shoot up into the top 5 favourite CDs you've ever heard list?! Well 'Free Mars' by Lusk is definitely one of those. I've never heard a more melodic, more beautiful, more unpredictable blend of pop and psychedelic music. I'm sending out a word of warning, however, to all you Tool fans out there who want to hear them just because Paul D'Amour is the co-founder. They don't sound ANYTHING like Tool...But it's odd, really, for Tool IS my favourite band, and I still adore this CD. So, yes, I highly suggest that you go and pick up this recording at a music store near you."
Sonic Sundae
loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 07/15/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to "Free Mars" by Lusk takes a bit of work and, but the payoff is worth the investment for those willing to make more than a casual effort. The sound is a sonic sundae, infused with psychedelic elements, layers of swirling sounds, and processed vocals that conjure up memories of early Brian Eno ("Here Come the Warm Jets," "Taking Tiger Mountain") but that sound modern, crisp, and well-thought out.Harps, cellos, odd percussion, and horns round out the core sound built around guitars, keyboards, and electronic treatments. It's clear that there was quite a bit of studio time involved in getting these tracks in present form, and one can only wonder at what was edited in the process. (It would not have been a great loss if some of the studio banter had been also been chopped out.)It's hard to pick a favorite track---I keep changing my mind---and the hidden bonus track called Blair's Spiders is hilarious (though not something that merits repeated listening, which makes it the perfect bonus track).On another note, the packaging and design of "Free Mars" merit close inspection and reflect some inspired thinking."
Not TOOL, Not Heavy, But Still Good!
Victor Thomas Cypert | Jacksonville, AL United States | 09/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What an incredible listening experience! This album, while not what one might first expect from Paul D'Amour given his track-record with TOOL, is still absolutely brilliant! Progressive rock at its BEST!Don't expect TOOL when you buy this album. In fact, don't expect metal or a hard and heavy sound. If we can say that TOOL relates to Black Sabbath in some particular way, then LUSK must relate to David Bowie or The Cure in a similar fashion. Brilliant, wonderful, astounding, defying belief, the members of LUSK have made a breath-taking album. Of course, the final track (Blair's Spiders) makes the album with the appearance of the legendary Blair Blake as himself. ;-)"
Wonderful music from an underappreciated band!
Victor Thomas Cypert | 07/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It escapes me why artists like Lusk are not better known. This is music like no other. The lyrics are beautifully baffling, and inflict emotions of resentment one moment, to those of a triumphant revolution, all in one song ("Kill the King"). Very few artists can do this. I hope that for the sake of these guys that some day this album will be bigger. I've recommended it to all my friends and family, and I would do the same to yours!"