The wait is over.
Fans of Poor Old Lu will be thrilled to know that, not only has this talented band re-formed, they've also just released the most cohesive, evocative and passionate new recording in their "off-again, on-again" history.
After nearly five years, hearing the opening strains of the album's first cut, "Revolve" is like getting a phone call from an old friend or a letter from a lost love.
The band took ten months to write and record their best recording yet. Truly, this foursome has never sounded better, or more relevant. These years off have allowed guitarist Aaron Sprinkle to further perfect his guitar prowess and sharpen his song-crafting skills. Jesse Sprinkle has also taken the time off to transform himself into a fantastically skilled percussionist, as vocalist Scott Hunter proves his unique voice hasn't suffered one tiny iota in the interim. Of course, Nick Barber is no slouch either, and his bass lines here are as solid as ever before.
This latest effort from Poor Old Lu has a more poetic charm and an effortless lyrical quality than past releases. It's still unmistakably Poor Old Lu, but their maturity is showing now and they often display restraint in favor of sound and fury, with stellar results.
Poor Old Lu has always worn its faith on its sleeve. Something that their fans appreciate and expect. The Waiting Room is no different than past efforts, as the band delivers brilliant modern rock songs that deal squarely with spiritual doubts, fears, and failings while offering more hope than despair, more light than heat.
The title, Waiting Room, suggests the heart of a believer who is waiting, but sometimes for the wrong things. While we look to His glorious appearing, are we just twiddling our thumbs or are we active and obedient to His word in the interim? The band explores these questions, divulges their own weakness and encourages us all to make good use of this time of waiting.
Thankfully, the members of Poor Old Lu have taken the time to call our attention to the importance of waiting with a purpose.
There is a feeling of sweet release when any long wait is finally over and this is something that Poor Old Lu manages to convey with honest exuberance and verve.
The wait is over.
5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #99Reviewed by Brian Quincy NewcombThe return of Washington-state alternative rockers Poor Old Lu, after the obligatory releases of a best-of (Chrono (1993-1998)) and a farewell concert recording (In Their Final Performance), should be no real surprise to Easter people. We should be getting used to resurrection by now. Still, in the world of pay-to-play Christian rock, one figures that sooner or later it's no longer going to be…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Chris MacIntoshOnce upon a time many, many years ago, in a land lost in legend, oh all right it was in Seattle and it was only ten years ago, a band was born. Taking their name from a line in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Poor Old Lu was born. After releasing a number of well received albums, the members of the group disbanded to pursue the greener pastures of solo careers. Bassist, Nick…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Matt ModrichSix years have passed since Poor Old Lu retired after Picture of the Eighth Wonder. Still, The Waiting Room seems like the band has only been in Narnia while no time has passed in the real world. The Waiting Room picks up where the last record left off. Tracks like "Now," "Crushed," "Crowded," and "The Waiting Room" are the hits, but the others aren't too shabby. Some of the songs just take a…Similar sounding releases
2003The Prayer ChainHere Comes the Rust
2002RushVapor Trails
2003BleachAstronomy
1995Adam AgainPerfecta
2002SilverchairDiorama
1996Seven Day JesusThe HungerMore from Poor Old Lu
1998Chrono (1993-1998)
1996A Picture of the Eighth Wonder
1993Mindsize
1992Star Studded Super Step
1998In Their Final Performance
