Handle With Care (album review) – The Fire Note

Love Enemy
Handle with caution
In the Red Records (2024)

Album overview: Love Fiend is a rock band from Los Angeles, California, known for their energetic and infectious performances. The group consists of Jesse Summers with his cool Ric Ocasek-style vocals and guitar, Raymond Schmidt on guitar and synthesizer, Owen Summers on bass, Owen Barrett on drums and percussion, and Kurtis Ray on saxophone. The album was produced by John Dwyer (Osees) at Discount Mirror Studio and engineered by Eric Bauer, and benefits from top-notch production quality. Handle with caution has a timeless appeal, combining rock with new wave elements. The record could have charted in the 80s and sounds perfect on a modern playlist. The album has a clean, polished sound with prominent use of synths and guitar riffs, but retains an edge that preserves the essence of their music. Handle with caution is full of catchy hooks, memorable melodies and references that ensure each track leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re a long-time fan or hearing Love Fiend’s music for the first time, this album has something for everyone, from danceable tracks to introspective tunes. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Music genre: The album is a mix of rock with strong influences from 80’s synth punk. It features driving bass lines, prominent saxophone sections and infectious hooks, creating an upbeat and electrifying sound that will have you tapping your feet and clapping along.

Development of sound: Over time, Love Fiend has refined his musical style and integrated more synthesizers and saxophones into his rock foundation. With Handle with cautionThe band is constantly evolving, combining retro elements with a modern touch to create a fresh and dynamic sound.

Artists with similar fire: Listeners might notice similarities between Love Fiend and artists such as Franz Ferdinand, Nick Lowe, The Cars, Gary Numan, Blondie and The Nerves. These comparisons highlight the band’s ability to combine catchy melodies with a distinct rock edge.

Key titles: The standout track “CKIL” (which stands for “Cop Kids In Love”) contains a catchy call to arms. “Got Bad” stands out for its driving bass line, compelling saxophone, and 80s synth-punk vibe. “Hard Feelings” maximizes their 80s punk synths with a high-energy delivery.

Lyrical strength: Love Fiend’s lyrics focus on relatable themes of love, exploring both its joys and sorrows. Their songs are designed to be entertaining and accessible, maintaining a fun and positive tone throughout.

LOVE-FIEND-LINKS
Instagram | Band warehouse | In The Red Records

Thomas has a wide range of musical tastes, as the New York scene continues to expand his palette. Thomas enjoys the opportunity to write at TFN and in his spare time is always on the lookout for limited edition vinyl pressings to add to his ever-growing collection.

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