Album Review: Landon — Defying the Stereotype
Guest review by Annelise Kopp
Despite its title, this album defies no stereotype. Landon is the equivalent to a combination of Pink, Amy Lee from Evanescence, and Jo Jo. Landon has a strong voice and can hit high notes, but this does not negate the unoriginality of this album. Remember when Britney Spears did “Stronger” on her album Oops, I Did it Again? She exemplified a force with this air that she was trying too hard, and her bubblegum roots were visible through the translucent façade. This album follows this empty structure with the addition of real musicians (whom, without doubt, give it much more credibility).
I’m all for girls in rock bands, but when done wrong, this ends up seeming like more of a fashion statement than a musical one. Musically, Landon is comparable to NIN. The entirety of Defying the Stereotype banks on the trendiness of the iconic uncontrollable and dysfunctional girl (you know, the same one we met in “Girl Anachronism” by the Dresden Dolls and “Milk” by Kings of Leon) . For me, the album was boring, if not irritating, to listen to.
To followers of bands with choppy guitar, rough-voice lyrics, and a tough feel to the music, this is probably the band for you. There’s nothing especially bad about Defying the Stereotype, but certainly don’t buy the album if you’re in the market for something new and refreshing.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.