Lavola Returns with a Forceful New Album

Lavola is back, and in a big way. County Grind received word last week that one of Palm Beach County's fiercest sonic forces had just completed its next album titled This Book Is My Cowardice. Through the social media webs, we heard a smidgen of Lavola frontman Julian Cires' next work with the album's first single called "Steps to Hell."

It's a dynamic piece, emblazoned by Cires' cathartic, wobbly voice and penetrating yelps. There are also moments when Cires takes it down a notch with wispy-yet-menacing vocals, followed by mammoth banging snare bashes and crunchy guitar licks. The number evokes an Explosions in the Sky intensity enveloped with a sensibility that's sure to appeal to the emo kids out there too. It's the best of both worlds.

That Cires was able to complete another record is an accomplishment in and of itself, considering the endless transformations his brainchild has had in recent times. None of Lavola's original lineup remain (and none of the second iteration for that matter). That said, the team that Lavola culled for this record is a stellar one with ace drummer Jeff Rose and the talented Gene Pandolfi tracking the majority of the bass. Newcomer Emily Dwyer makes an appearance on the violin and notable local musician Ryan Alexander steps in to engineer a few of the tracks (including "Steps to Hell").

In a conversation with New Times, Cires said the album "was a year's worth of obstacles and frustrations and a rather tumultuous time," but about the adversity, Cires added, "I think that resulted in a stronger album."

Cires states it explores a more experimental range. "It's noisier, more aggressive, darker, yet also contains a more ethereal and symphonic quality that hasn't been as present in previous recordings."

Cires and company have plans for an official album release show on March 8, at Respectable Street. Fans however can pre-order the record at Lavola's website where there's a digital, physical, and a T-shirt and CD bundle option available.

Sample Lavola's new singled "Steps to Hell:"

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