In the past Frank Lenz has provided drums, vocals, and other musical assistance to countless bands and solo artists. Now after years of being in the background on some impressive records, Lenz has been given the chance to shine out as the headliner on Conquest Slaughter, his Velvet Blue Music debut and his second full-length solo release.
Because of the variety of styles that I have heard Frank Lenz play I didn't really know what to expect on this solo disc. He has played everything from ska and reggae to punk and indie rock. His last solo record even had a funk sound to it. Interestingly, the actual sound on Conquest Slaughter is quite different than most of these records that he has lent his musical abilities on.
Conquest Slaughter sounds a lot like Neil Young - at times it sounds like it's trying a little too hard to sound like Neil Young - which tends to be a good thing and a bad thing. It is a good thing because Neil Young was a very talented musician and in trying to develop a similar sound, there are times that Lenz has created some memorable and creative songs. However, it is also a bad thing because it invites the comparison to Neil Young, who easily overshadows his imitators.
Sonically, the album is not as dark as the gothic-looking cover suggests. Frank Lenz has created a medley of sugary sweet pop gems along with some tracks that rock out a little more. The piano and string instrumentation laced throughout various songs compliment the serene and yet (at times) biting lyrics very nicely. All of the songs flow flawlessly into each other, although there are some tracks that are stronger than others.
Overall, this is a strong and ambitious second record for Lenz. He dabbles in rock, Brian Wilson-esque harmonies, alternate instrumentation, and still manages to create a unified sound on the album. Granted, there is some filler material, but the good aspects of Conquest Slaughter outweigh the bad.
3/4
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithThere was a time in Christian music circles that it seemed like Frank Lenz was the drummer on every "cool" album. To list the band and artists he has performed with would take more space than I have been allotted. It is even more difficult a task to name drummers who have also done a credible job as vocalists. Does Lenz belong in the same league as drummer/vocalists such as Andy Sturmer…Similar sounding releases
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