Ludo

Comments (0) By Lee Zimmerman Thursday, Feb 26 2009

Do the Ludo shuffle.

Details

With Sing It Loud, This Providence, and the Morning Light. Saturday, February 28,7:30 p.m., at the Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $13 in advance, $15 at the door. All ages. Call 954-561-4880, or visit cultureroom.net.

More About

Hmmm. Ludo? Isn't that the nickname for a certain much-abused narcotic of somewhat ill repute? Or could it be that hit by Boz Scaggs from way back in the day? Or maybe it's the nickname your college buddy chose because he always shunned his given name. Well... no. This Ludo has nothing to do with 'ludes, "Lido Shuffle," or your friend with the convoluted surname. Actually, it's a five-man outfit from St. Louis whose oddly titled third album (and major-label debut), You're Awful, I Love You, reflects an otherwise irreconcilable meld of angst, edge, and ambition.

And while their lyrical twists suggest something of an insurgent attitude — "Love me cancerously, like a salt sore soaked in the sea/'High-maintenance' means you're a gluttonous queen, narcissistic and mean..." ("Love Me Dead") — the surge and sweep that underpins these songs reflect an accessible, high-octane sound consistent with an upstart outlook. Having producer Matt Wallace at the helm (the man behind the boards for Maroon 5, Train, and Faith No More) also affirms a certain radio-ready savvy. But ultimately, it comes down to the band's impetuous approach, which, like the overly eager, relationship-ready guy described in "Go-Getter Greg," its come-on sometimes seems a bit overwhelming. But also like Greg, this band works really hard to win you over. Fortunately, it's hard not to love Ludo right back.