Lovely Killbots @ Rancho Relaxo
By: Orlando da Silva
Posted: June 22, 2009 – Toronto, Canada
Has anyone noticed that it always gets super hot when more than ten people show up to Rancho Relaxo?
Speaking of hot, I saw Lovely Killbots there. Not to act like singer Lauralee's immediately apparent beauty is the only thing about the band that is worthwhile – the keys/drums duo played a great set that I could hear just fine from my spot at the bar, far from the sweaty mass packed tight in front of the band.
Switching handily between electric piano and synthesizer, Lauralee handled frontwoman duties ably while drummer Ryan put his all into an energetic and vibrant performance. With no pre-recorded tracks for accompaniment (which almost every other duo I saw at this festival employed) the Killbots had a full, rich sound and this was due in no small part to the sheer effort on display from the stage. Lauralee clearly writes great melodies while Ryan's busy drumming creates a more dynamic structure to the songs that would not otherwise be present – chemistry may be their secret weapon.
All in all, I had a very positive introduction to this local duo and fully intend on keeping an eye on the Lovely Killbots in the future. I recommend that anyone with an ear for creative ethereal music do the same.
