When I strolled into the very D.I.Y venue known as the Archer Ballroom, I already had a good idea of what I was in for. Lucky for me, the Cincinnati-based duo known as Lung delivered.

MAN, how they delivered!

Darkness of the room aside (and MAN, was it dark), Kate Wakefield (cello and vocals) and Daisy Caplan (drums) ripped the roof off the place in a set that was far too short for my personal tastes. Still, I was WAY into what I got. I just wasn’t able to get quality photos. Well, what are you gonna do?

I was introduced to Lung in 2019 during a trip to Cincinnati. I asked an employee at Everybody’s Records to introduce me to some local talent. I already knew about The National, so this is what I got.

Lucky me!

The first album I heard was All the King’s Horses. I was struck by a thunderbolt. Kate’s voice is practically operatic as she belts out tunes that are definitely not something you’d find at the opera.

To say nothing of Kate’s cello playing, which smacked of glorious classical training repurposed with brutal distortion and an absolutely viscous groove. It was a sight to see and a sound to hear.

Did I say groove? Let’s not sleep on Daisy, whose raw aggression brought the duo’s art-punk to the highest level. Pardon me, but I have to say it: this band is just fucking COOL!

I always look for something to grab hold of when I listen to a new band. All the King’s Horses had my attention immediately. But when the duo covered “I’m Afraid of Americans,” this David Bowie fanatic was all in!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Kate and Daisy a few months ago. It’s a chat that definitely deserves your attention. Not only are they talented musicians, they are really cool people.

Bottom line: if Lung comes to or near your town, GO SEE THEM! They’re going to be back in Chicago in a couple of months. Rest assured, I’ll be there.

#cirdecsongs

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Would you like to have your music reviewed? Contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com