Overlord has an image problem. Their myspace name (overlordisnotmetal) shows that they are consciously aware of it. Even though I found this band through one of my favorite indie rock bands, Palomar, I still wondered, “Is this a metal band?” The answer is most stridently “no.” While that might put off those who find them haphazardly, this band’s catchy, sixties inspired indie rock is worth a listen.
Overlord has four songs on their page, three of which appear on what seem to be actual releases* and the fourth on a demo. “Oh My Mechanical Heart,” from 2007’s Pictures from Anhedonia, has slight country tendencies that call upon the days before rock had seperated itself from its parent. The song is memorable without relying on an overt hook. Another 2007 release, Alps, I Did It Again, offers “Nothing is Wrong,” another sixties influenced pop piece that captures the smooth balladry of the Moody Blues without seeming quite so light. Overlord pulled “The Family Plot” from last year’s Ticker Symbols. Once again, the band reaches back 40 years for their influences, but this time they filter it through 80s jangle a la the Church. The final song, “Back to the Big Lie,” comes from a recent unreleased demo recording. At first, it seems to drag a bit, but its subtle atmospherics make it the strongest track posted on their page.
Overlord is more established than the other bands I’ve reviewed from Myspace, but they’re still not a major act by a long shot. Still the expectations should be higher for a band at their level than for a band that has just formed. Overlord are clearly better than a lot of what’s out there, but perhaps not quite as good when experience is considered. While they were a good listen, I don’t see anything that will necessarily change with more time under their belt. Indie rock fans who like a healthy dose of sixties pop should check out Overlord, but don’t expect them to get their big break anytime soon.
*Their myspace page indicates that they are from albums, but their regular website makes no mention of the first two of these albums.