This is kind of a surprise. The phoenix rises from the ashes and who would have guessed this one? With 3 new songs and a barrage of old FLNL songs, The Lost Elephant CD re-surges their distinctive sound now to a possibly new Tooth and Nail audience. Not quite punk, not quite grunge, not quite metal, and not pop radio, FLNL brings their straight forward rock of blends (alternative / modern rock) to the floor. Again. This is a nice documentary of the band: a sort of audio autobiography. The music is excellent. Miles and Mike (guitarists) have an incredible musical rapport with each other resulting in some very tight and creative lines. FLNL's strongest point, in my opinion, is the song structures they come up with, driven by the guitars. They manage to be unique sounding without venturing into the absolutely obscure or absurd. The guitars are all the best of creativity and strength while remaining true to their sound (ie "Icon" - one of their new ones uses some cool feedback and some beautiful strong guitars backed with fantastic slow drums). Throughout, the tones are good. The recording quality is fantastic (even with their early, early stuff). The various bass and drum participation is strong, ending with the current representation of Clint Mcbay and Aaron Preston (respectively). The packaging is nicely done, but I would like to have seen more attention to the historical feel they touched on. It seemed a bit incomplete or quickly done, but there are some nice photos, a discography and shared stage list, and a short FLNL story. This CD is an excellent way to get in touch with a band that typifies the 90s, and frankly helped to mold a sound which remains today. For Puller fans, this is a must. [Members from FLNL are in Puller and the two bands sounds are very similar. FLNL seems to be a bit more straight forward (with the exception of the last song - a nice mix of bizarreness, something that you wouldn't normally hear from either band)]. If you are not a Puller fan, then this probably isn't for you. But maybe you should check again (on both band's behalf).
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Josh SpencerFor Love Not Lisa, best known for their song on The Crow soundtrack in the early '90s and for being the earlier band of Mike Lewis and Miles from Puller, is back. Tooth & Nail somehow convinced Mike and Miles to add a FLNL return to their other ongoing projects. Good move, since Lewis' throaty but soft vocals always did fit the aggression of FLNL better than the arty post-punk of Puller. The Lost…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerOnce upon a time, there was a band named For Love Not Lisa. They signed with Elektra Records, released several critically-acclaimed albums, toured with big-name bands Stone Temple Pilots and Rage Against the Machine, and then broke up, angry at Elektra's inability to capitalize. Lead singer Mike Lewis and guitarist Miles went on to form the popular Christian band Puller, and it seemed like For…Similar sounding releases
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