LAKESHORE are from New Fairfield, CT including brothers Ben and Joe Lionetti (guitarist & drummer) who originally founded the Metalcore giants EMMURE. This debut EP "41" was recorded with producer Ken Susi of UNEARTH (who has also worked with THE CONTORTIONIST and MADBALL). First off, this isn't a Metalcore album. It doesn't have the big breakdowns and has clean vocals throughout. In fact, I'd say that putting any particular genre tag to this EP is irrelevant. Also, calling this Post this and that genre title etc is a bit old hat now. It is simply Modern Rock in my mind. It is a bit brooding in places and atmospheric but overall it has some brilliant Rock moments and great guitar.

The sound has an overall Pop Metal style with some Indie Rock feeling. In some sense the music is a Metal version of COLDPLAY, which comes across well. However, there are some rip-snorting guitar solos and heavy riffing to let it Rock out. Opener "Heart (To The Fans)" is an atmospheric intro with big layered dynamics in the music setting the tone for the EP. "Future" is an uplifting riff and a Pop Metal vocal making this a possible single that could dent the charts. "Control" has a RUSH opening riff and is intro'd by "Taking...(Interlude)" an atmospheric piano led, spoken word intro. "Kings" has a relentless riff. The best two tracks, for me, are the last two: "History" and "Pure Imagination".  "History" has a Pop Punk feel in the riff and includes some great Classic Rock guitar. "Pure Imagination" is my favorite song starting off slow with a good vocal and brooding guitar. It has the usual atmospherics, a breakdown in the vocal and then a superb solo.

This was a pleasant listen; good playing and layered sounds providing great atmosphere. I think that it lacked a bit of memorability though. I remember the rip-snorting guitar solo's from the last two tracks "History" and "Pure Imagination" the most. This made me think that the songs themselves were maybe too atmospheric and lacked some punch or individuality. It has all the best elements of modern Rock but maybe needed a few surprises along the way.