The Madison-raised, now Brooklyn-residing band Locksley still maintains its vintage-loving reputation with the energetic and slightly hectic ensemble of tunes on their second album, Be In Love. The carefree feeling this foursome generates through jazzy guitars, wild drumming and catchy harmonies is sure to produce major booty shaking, or at least a foot tapping of sorts for those who resist a total lack of inhibitions.
With the extensive success of Locksley's first album, Don't Make Me Wait, including headlining for MTV's Vote or Die tour, Be In Love has a lot to live up to, but it proves a worthy contender. Both works evoke the likes of the Beatles and the Kinks, but Be In Love contains a bit more '50s doo-wop than the previous album. Either way, these retro rockers skillfully blend the old with the new for music that appeals to groups of all ages.
The big move Locksley made to New York in 2003 undoubtedly added a more punk-sounding element to the band, which was inspired by oldies back in Wisconsin. Still unsigned, Locksley can take the chances they want, and it looks as though they've throw caution to the wind to make some great jams. ""Darling, It's True,"" ""The Whip"" and ""On Fire"" are all reminiscent of old-school garage band songs, while ""Days of Youth"" showcases a pleasant jingle with lyrics like ""Be in love with you tonight / Beside an old house full of light / City cold and far away / Can be anyone when day comes down."" Major riffing also scatters this album, calling for some hardcore air guitar sessions midsong.
Jesse Laz on rhythm guitar never fails to chime in with his signature, spontaneous yelps that provide fans with the uninhibited Locksley sound they know and love. The newest member of Locksley, Jordan Laz, who replaced bassist Aaron Collins in 2008, makes an appearance as lead vocalist on a few songs, adding variety to the mix. On some of the tracks, the chorus is accompanied by several synchronized voices shouting out the lyrics in the background. This punk-rock band pushes its beat to the brink of sloppiness but still manages to generate contagious listenings.
This album smoothly transitions from Locksley's previous work, and it has just as many British Invasion vibes as before. With groovy melodies and fun rhythms, listeners are sure to blissfully bask in this well-rounded album. Be In Love demonstrates itself far from disappointment. This body of work can be summed up in the shrieks of Jesse Laz: ""Yeeoow! Yeeaah! Well, allrriigght everybody!""
