Not Lackadaisical: Meet the Lazys

Today's post is by our friend HIM. Full disclosure: I was introduced to this band via another website. I also shared this with find with another poster on this site when I first heard of the band in April (hint: that poster’s moniker sounds like ‘nettle toy’). And, while I recently bemoaned the loss of Rhino Bucket, I was heartened to find out there is yet another band willing to carry the dingo-scented torch:

Are The Lazys the most amazing band of recent date? No. Are they shamelessly mining the same AC/DC vein that numerous other bands have mined? Sure. Does Leon Harrison seem to like doing buggy-eyes in his videos while jumping up and down and walking a lot? Yup. Thing is, they rip off a glorious template while adding a bit of a modern flourish to the whole affair. And, by all accounts, The Lazys put on a great live show. So who loses here? No one. We need more good time, easily chant-inducing, rock n’ roll. After all, it isn’t noise pollution. And, unlike Greta Van Susteren (I think that is what they are called), they admit their influences! If you are going to joyously celebrate a sound, BRING IT AND OWN IT!!! Let’s hope that these Aussies, now based to the poutine-licking North of our United States, do a bit more touring down our way. With a new release (Tropical Hazards) only a few months old, I certainly think The Lazys could invade our borders in a way that would appeal across partisan boundaries.

Comments

[Bob]

Not bad at all! I'd crank that up on a Friday night with a beer or 12 in my hand. what I find interesting about them is, musically, they've aped the AC/DC sound, but not necessarily in the vocals. Most bands who have appropriated that sound also have a singer who tries to sound like Bon or Brian. Oh, and screw Greta Van Fleet! glad to see that there are at least some other people who aren't buying into their nonsense.

[GNR]

Good find, love it when someone posts a band to go check out and well... it checked out !

As for Greta ? Still on the fence, you can have your Zeppelin moments in a band, but not every song. They make some good tunes, but need some seasoning on diversity. It would be nice if their talent could get that guy to tweak them to become more than a one pony show. I have RnR hope !

[Bob]

GNR, the guys in Greta Van Fraud are clearly talented. My issue with them is that they have publicly stated that Led Zeppelin isn't one of their influences. You, I and the world all know that is a bunch of nonsense. I'd have far more respect for them if they just owned it rather than deny it. Listen to that new song they just released. that singer, who is from Michigan, is affecting a British accent for god sakes.

[Gary]

Well this kicks mondo rectum. I love this kind of shit. No pretenses,nobody trying to prove what a virtuosic musician they are, no 47 different time changes during a 6 minute song,,no guitars tuned down to the depths of hell with somebody singing that sounds like they haven't taken a dump in 2 weeks and now the "roosters are attempting to roost".

Has it been done a million times? Sure. Will it be done a million more? Damnit I hope so. This is exactly the kind of music that will get people moving in a club,I don't care how "hipster" they are. A steady 4/4 beat and 3 power chords is all it takes. Thanks for this! I will download these guys.

PS, Greta Van Susteren. Now that's funny (although laughing would probably crack her face?)
Them saying they're not influenced by Zep is like Jimmy Page saying he wasn't "influenced" by about a dozen different people he liberally "borrowed" from.

[GNR]

Bob/Him - did they state that they weren't an influence ? Wasn't the quote" Even if it exactly wasn't an overwhelming influence of ours, it still was influential and we can certainly see it. But overall, it doesn't really affect the writing of our music." ?

These "kids" are 21 years old, I'm sure they've had plenty of influences vs. they hey day of when Led Zeppelin was right around the corner. 1971 - Led Zeppelin IV born - Greta Van Fleet member born average - 1997. We like them because they remind us of an iconic band, but then crucify them when they don't say exactly what we want them to say ?

Maybe they are just tired of hearing the same thing over and over ? Their core young fans don't give a sh*t what they "sound" like, because to them its original. To those fans, Led Zeppelin is just a t-shirt they bought at Target because it has a cool symbol.

Greta is a breath of fresh air. My only hope is that they grow musically. And the days of every article has to contain the words Led Zeppelin when mentioning Greta Van Fleet is gone. They put out good, straight up RnR and that is a lost thing these days.

[Bob]

GNR, I mean this sincerely, I am enjoying this discussion. yes, I am sure that GVF has had many musical influences throughout their lives, but they chose, somewhat deliberately I suspect, to clone only one of them, then claim that it isn't a major influence on their songwriting. Again, I reference the affected British accent of their Michigander vocalist. My liking, or disliking of their music has nothing to do with what they say about themselves. Remember, I did say that they are talented. I just find their quote to be disingenuous at best, and an outright lie at worst. Finally, what GVF is doing is not as unique as it would appear on the surface. There are plenty of bands out there playing straight-up hard rock who are toiling away in relative obscurity. The band who really took a chance with that kind of music, and made it cool again was Rival Sons. They've since become a parody of themselves, but they were the ones who opened the door for a totally derivative band like GVF to get noticed. for some straight-up hard rock that, in strictly my opinion, is far superior to GVF, check out the East Side Gamblers. it's the side project of Tony Higbee, who plays guitar in Tom keifer's solo band.

[Gary]

GNR. I am not dissing those guys either. They're freaking great at what they're doing. We need a whole lot more just like them. I've said it on here dozens of times. There are literally 7 major notes in music, not counting flats,sharps,minors,diminished,augmented chords (which are all those same 7 notes/chords with a note or 2 changed). They've been done in every formation,progression,and grouping possible. So naturally everything is going to sound like something that's been done previously. Instead of Zeppelin,you could say they sound like John Lee Hooker or Robert Johnson. You know, some of the bluesmen that Zeppelin "were influenced" by. I don't know if you're a musician,but I've been one for 43 years. I'd just like to say that whomever you loved and tried to emulate as you were learning,WILL come out in your own playing. Its inevitable. Hopefully Greta will persevere through it. You know, like a certain band from Boston (that rhymes with Bear-o-shit), that we're called a second rate Stones ripoff. Worked out pretty well for them. It's all good. If it gets your foot tapping and your head banging, it'll always be around. 🤘🤘🤘

[Metalboy!]

Okay, HAM! How DARE you denegrate the name METALBOY!

This is how you treat the one and only!? ... the great!? ... Metalboy!?!

You should know ONLY I am permitted to defame our heroes and almost heroes and outright enemies with parody monickers! May the Metal Godz spare you my wrath!

METALBOY! has spoken!!!

Now, despite your serious transgressions, I will still comment on the band you so kindly recommended to me, The Lazys, because, as everyone knows here, I can’t resist giving my 2 cents worth (which is actually worth $2 million, obviously!)!

As you indicated when you introduced me to them, they’re not anything really worth writing home about.

The following comments are directed to all who have previously commented except GNR who is both a genius AND a gentlemen! ...

Now, as for GRETA FORD ECONOLINE VAN FLEET, they COMPLETELY blow The Lazys and Rival Sons out of the water!

Do they ape Zeppelin? H*ll, yeah!!! Why? Because they can! The voice of their singer is pure b*lls with all the unbridled velocity of Plant and all those who ape(d) him, i.e. Coverdale (when he could still sing), Lenny Wolf, etc. And their songwriting is a lot more original than you boyz are giving them credit for. Does the guy sound unabashedly like Plant?

Does he even mimmick Plant’s hand gestures to the point ya gotta wonder how many times he watched “Song Remains The Same”? No question ... But the music and lyrics? Not so much ... Or not as much as people are saying ...

FYI — Greta Van Fleet are the musical guests appearing on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” TONIGHT!!! Enjoy!

[Kixchix]

Enough of this Tom foolery!!

The Struts have a new song out- Body Talks

Has Alyson posted these guys in past? My memory says IDK, my gut says yes.

This bands IS rock n roll in 2018. No Greta needed

https://youtu.be/Hc3XIbUuTMc

[Metalboy!]

Indeed, KixChix, Queen freaks (replete with Freddy Mercury clone, in both sound and looks, fronting the band), The Struts, are great!

Almost as good as Zeppelin clones, the way greater Greta Van Fleet!

[Him]

First thing: I deserve all the shame rained down upon me for messing with the mighty Metalboy! HAM indeed. But everyone likes pork, right? So I hope to be spared further punishment.

Second thing (and some of you noted this): The Lazys will never be a stadium band. But what they do, they do well, they do with a dash of fun, and they do with a seeming love of the music.Their music is perfect for a hot summer night and a cold beer. I am glad some of you liked it.

Third thing: GVF strike me as overly serious and occasionally dour for being so young. It strikes me as calculated. Does it sound great? It sure does. I also agree: they are far more talented (to my humble ears) than The Lazys. But what is the point of gaining a following if you hide your soul in the process? Their statements about LP are too glossy to not to be as contrived as the singer's accent. As I said a week or so ago, a band like this needs to find footing beyond the sound they are aping. Otherwise, they will simply get put in the dustbin. I hope they find a way to actually broaden their sound, and their fan base. Rock needs bands that sound like they do. Thing is, rock needs bands like The Lazys too. And I think the latter are more endearing than the former.

But here is the thing: they come off as a bit self-important. At that young age, you can understand a bit of bluster and ego. At the same time, you best be careful when you are trying to cultivate a larger following on the back of hints and suggestions . . . all of which lead back to a clear source code that you were/weren't/were somewhat influenced by. It really isn't that hard, is it? Just say: "We are GVF. We are bring back the big sound of the 70s and we own that!" That is how you swagger while you are clearly aping another band(s). And, hell, name check Plant's good-natured recognition of what you are doing. Just OWN IT. Yes, I shouted that. But I think these talented fellows need to rethink how they show ego. When you get beyond their current fan-base, what then? What tale are you selling as you try to work your way up the ranks?

And The Struts are another great band, Kixchix (did you like The Lazys?). They carry the torch and have done so for only eight-or-so years. At the risk of incurring wrath, I think they fill a solid space into which the likes of Arctic Monkeys spill as well. Thing is, those Brit bands pull off the aloof thing (why? I have no idea) better than some of their stateside brethren. It is also the case that those Brit bands often suffer from a lack of exposure, over-hyped potential, and internal discord. Then again, what rock band doesn't?

[Kixchix]

I did like The Lazy’s Him. I recently saw The Struts headline on an off night from Foos at a bar! Which is why I’m high on Struts. They treated the event (200 people) as if it were 100,000 people in attendance and blew my face off. Luke; the singer is Freddie, Mick and Bowie thus creating a very potent, energetic and fun frontman. Dave Grohl recently proclaimed that The Struts are the best opening band they’ve ever had. How do they surpass that moniker and become an arena headliner in 2019 and beyond is the riddle.

[Bkallday]

My opinion, a generic Buckcherry wanna be. I don't hear hardly any ac/dc.

[Him]

That sounds like an awesome evening, Kixchix. Super cool.

To each their own, right, Bkallday? I guess I can hear a bit of Buckcherry too (never considered that). And I enjoy Buckcherry. So that isn't a bad comparison in my book (even if I get your point).

[Metalboy!]

BK, you nailed it with the word “generic” but associating them with Buckcherry is WAY to generous. The Lazys aren’t nearly as good.

Deserving, they may be, of a slot on my “Best of 2018” playlist, but not with the same significance as Greta Van Fleet, The Night Flight Orchestra, Tempt, Bulletrain, The Poodles, Hardcore Superstar, Shiraz Lane, Station, The Struts, Cräsh Dïet, 77, Löve Räzer, Pennywise, Backyard Babies, Blackberry Smoke, Bullet, Maverick, Them Evils, Vega, Crying Steel, Rust ‘n Rage and ToxicRose, etc.

Sorry, HIM, as much as I want to say The Lazys are great, well, the reality is they’re just okay, nothing really to write home about, and you pretty much pre-qualified them as such from the git go ...

But, please, don’t let that hinder you from more recommending brand new acts or new songs from fairly new acts and I and I hope others, will do the same! Cheerz n’ Rock & Roll Jeerz, my Metal friend!

[Him]

I hear you, Metalboy! Not the greatest, not the worst. But I like that they are carrying the flag with a smile. And I think some of their tracks are perfect for a summer BBQ setting.

As I noted in the post: "We need more good time, easily chant-inducing, rock n’ roll." The Lazys fit that bill even if they will never reach the summit. You are right: I certainly wouldn't oversell them, to you or on BBG! And you only added to the list of bands, new and new-ish, that deserve our attention and support.

Cheers everyone! Keep the suggestions of heretofore undiscussed bands coming. They benefit. We benefit.

[Badland]

GVF

Kingdom Come were called posers for sounding like Zep

[Bob]

Guys and gals, let's not let my recommendation of the East Side Gamblers get lost in the discussion. Not because I want credit, but because I think you'll dig them a lot.

[Metalboy!]

Damn, Bob! The East Side Gamblers are KILLER! I made a playlist of their two EPs together and listened to it three times in a row already since your last comment and will continue to jam out on it.

Love how they kinda have this raw 70’s throwback “Stoner Rock” thing going on in a lot of their riffs and overall sound of their songs and then suddenly shift to, call me crazy, “Boston meets RATT, meets Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers when it comes to their scorching ultra clean solos, some with a dual lead guitar attack that sets them apart from most of the newer bands regularly discussed in Comments.

This approach is particularly noticeable on more than a few tracks from “The Big Machine”, an “all killer, no filler” affair surely to invite multiple listenings worthy of melting your external hard drive. Though it’s not easy to choose a favorite from “The Big Machine”, the stand out track for me is “High Time”, which, needless to say, promptly wound up on my “Best of 2018” playlist.

Greta Van Fleet, The East Side Gamblers, The Lazys. No matter the differing opinions as to who is better or what we like about one or more of these bands, all three have that “legit” authentic throwback raw Rock & Roll sound, with some sharing the more “Stoner Rock” vibe I mentioned.

That said, and no offense intended here, HIM, but The East Side Gamblers clearly blow The Lazys out of the water and certainly give Greta Van Fleet a run for their money.

p.s. Thanks for The Lazys, HIM. Thanks for The East Side Gamblers, Bob. And thanks for Greta Van Fleet, Lord. Let’s keep ‘em comin’, BBGer’s! Only 5 months left (can you believe it?) until we have to compile our “Best of 2018” lists!

[Him]

East Side Gamblers are a great find, Bob. I certainly agree with Metalboy! on this one.

And I think all of the bands we are talking about deserve our support. No offense taken, Metalboy!

We all like some. We also dislike others. So what? At least we get to debate the merits of both on this site. This is no battle. No one loses. If anything, we mostly win with what we find out on BBG!