Hailing from Philadelphia, Lantern has been producing music carrying a nostalgic vibe for years now. Their earlier releases were stripped down experimental songs remiscent of garage rock, full of raw energy and at times grunge-oriented sounds, whcih at best were interesting but not really for the masses or even for the touristic traveler of "wild" rock 'n' roll.
That by no means makes Lantern's past stuff some like some hidden gem though because while the idea of resurrecting those sounds is pretty cool, the band unsuccessfully made those songs. A lot of their past discography sounds like grating noise until
Black Highways and Green Garden Roads. This album is a real leap forward because they've managed to channel their interest in garage rock and psychedelia into a more polished and more accessible musical journey.
Instead of creating tracks that were a little bit fuzzy and punkish, Lantern manages to be fun in a boogie inducing way while still holding onto that feral, hard rock sound the band originally set out to make. On this album they've added a little more pyschedlic pop to their fondness for The Stooges. However, none of this is gimmicky because Lantern differentiates themselves from that era enough to still sound modern.
And the interchange between male and female vocals is impressive and refreshing. The vocals on "On My Side" are heavenly and is easily one of the best tracks on the album. "Wait, Wait" and "Don't Worry Baby (It Won't Be Long)" are also wonderful and show a real talent for writing hooks.
So if you happen to be interested in rock music with a real fondess for 60's psychedelic pop and garage rock, check out Lantern.
https://lantern.bandcamp.com/album/black-highways-and-green-garden-roads
