THE LOTHARS
Meet The Lothars (Wobbly Music)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

I knew my painstaking search would eventually bear fruit. Anyone falling under the spell will surely understand: once you've heard the sci-fi stylings of the strangest musical contraption ever to grace a Beach Boys hit ("Good Vibrations" if you must know), you will stop at nothing to hear more evidence of the ghostly sounds of the theremin. This eventually leads to the greatest (by sheer numbers) theremin band of all time: The Lothars. You will of course recall from the sixties Lothar and the Hand People, who were one of the first champions of the instrument. In fitting tribute The Lothars picked up their double antenna gizmos, to the point where the term "experts in the field" doesn't seem out of place. One listen reveals that this ain't no Clara Rockmore record (classical stuff that sounds much like a violin concerto), but deft concoction that mixes psychedelic wigouts with subtle, galloping instrumentals. Three theremins and one guitar, the lone instrument here that is actually touched when played, makes for a trippy soundscape indeed. Settle in for a spell and the magic will take hold. I urge you to "Meet The Lothars" for The Lothars are mad, and gawd love 'em for it.

© 2000 - John Sekerka