Two-man band Lot Long are searing their name on the rock scene with their debut album, Long Time Coming, and believe us when we say, this aptly-titled record has truly been a long time coming.
Teen musicians Warren Bullock and Michael R. Crider formed their hard rock duet during the Indianan summer of 1988. But after throwing a few songs in the works, the Lot Long project was abandoned, without an official release to their name.
Fast forward to 2024, and the lifelong pals, now in their 50s, finally reformed, picking up the breadcrumbs of their youth to reinvent their old-school classic rock sound for a fresh generation. And, needless to say, the wait has been worthwhile.
This record is the result of decades of suppressed passion, Lot Long’s rabid rock inspirations sizzling like wildfire, ready to devour the state and send listeners screaming from the delectable heat.
Lead single and album-opener “Cry Baby” has become the band’s biggest Spotify hit to date – a Southern country mood that derails into a smoky, Hendrix-style anthem, blurring the line between hard rock and heavy metal, crowned by a chorus you can belt at the top of your lungs. Fiery distortions and pinch harmonics command the title track, “Long Time Comin’,” with vocal harmonies snatched from the 70s and a gritty, leather vibe that could top any biker’s playlist.
“Rain” takes a psychedelic turn through its sparkling prog organ riffs, “The Author” slows things to a ballad, its beautifully layered acoustics exploring brand new moods that refuse to settle in tired sensitivity, whilst album closer, “5150,” verges on a Green Day style of punk, lifted by vocals comparable to rock gods Rush.
Long Lot cite bands “from Van Halen to The Beatles” amongst their influences – and these stellar vibes are evident, exhilarating from the record’s beginning to its end, snowballing with each track until the band’s time warp sound sends you straight back to their 80s heyday.
Our verdict: Highly Recommended
—-
Listen to Lot Long and check out their music on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and more. Please support Lot Long by visiting their website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
(Want to have your music reviewed on The Ark of Music? Click HERE.)
Follow, stream, download & connect with LOT LONG online:
